Veterans, locals and students packed the gymnasium at Woodbury Middle School Friday morning for the school's annual Veterans Day ceremony, attended by Gov. John Lynch, U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte and Adjutant Gen. Willian Reddel.

Several Woodbury 6th grade students read their essays about the importance of Veterans Day while their chorus sang patriotic songs and the school jazz band played.

The keynote speaker was Salem High School Associate Principal Jan Radowicz, herself a U.S. Air Force veteran.

"By far the greatest benefit I gained from being in the military was an appreciation for just how lucky and how blessed I am to be a citizen of the greatest country in the world, the United States," Radowicz said.

Watch the video for more from Lynch, Ayotte and Reddel.