On Wednesday, people all over the Valley are celebrating the hard work of veterans and the sacrifices they make for this country.

In Rockingham County, Linville Edom Elementary School students recognized Veterans Day.

Fifth graders wrote essays describing the importance of the day. Teachers judged each of the essays and picked their top three favorites.

Those students read their essays at the Veterans Day assembly Wednesday and they say they learned a lot.

"They are willing to give up their lives to protect us," says Taylor Longnecker, a fifth grader at Linville Edom Elementary.

"I think they are important because they gave us our freedom, and if it weren't for them we would still be under England's laws," says Lauryn Shirkey, another fifth grader.

"If we didn't have veterans, the world would probably be a disaster right now," adds fifth grader Brennan Miller.

Commonwealth's Attorney Marsha Garst joined in the event and Congressman Bob Goodlatte brought the school a special surprise: a flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol.

Sen. Mark Obenshain was also at the school, recognizing the service of all the men and women in uniform.

He believes it's important for the students to do so as well.

"Many of them will be called upon to serve their country in various capacities, whether in the military or in other avenues of public service. I just think it's important to make sure that our children and grandchildren understand that public service and sacrifice is really an important factor in preserving the freedoms we have," says Obenshain.

The Architect of the U.S. Capitol, Stephen T. Ayers, gave the school a certificate of proof that its new flag flew over the Capitol for Linville Edom Elementary October 31, 2009 at Goodlatte's request.