More than 200 students braved rainy conditions last week to watch an emotional Veterans Day flag-raising ceremony at Apex Middle School.

The strong showing of support from students and staff combined with patriotic songs from the school chorus made quite an impact on Principal Camille Hedrick.

“This ceremony was voluntary and you saw how many students were out here,” said Hedrick. “They were told they could attend if they wanted to. It made me feel proud to see so many. I had tears in my eyes during God Bless America.”

U.S. Marine Kevin Burge, a Green Hope High School graduate who served two tours in Iraq, raised the flag while the school band played the national anthem.

Hedrick, who spent much of her childhood living at Camp Lejeune, said it was important to recognize the efforts of those who served in uniform.

“We have 50 students who have parents or siblings serving in the military,” said Hedrick. “We have staff who previously served and parents who previously served. Acknowledging what they have done for our country is essential to our students learning what being a veteran means.”

The ceremony served as both a teaching tool and a show of support for the military.

“I don’t know how kids can know about what people who serve our country do if we don’t help them learn it,” said Hedrick. “For families of people serving over there, they need a lot of support. They need not just physical support but also moral and emotional support from the community, which is us.”