EUGENE, Ore. -- Students at O'Hara Catholic School honored veterans and servicemen and women at the school's fifth annual Veterans Day Assembly.

O'Hara students prepared for the Monday's assembly and created American-themed artwork to decorate the gym. Members of the local Marine Corps presented the flag, and all the active duty members and veterans in attendance got a chance to speak to the students about their service.

While the event was geared to honor veterans, organizers said it also taught students the importance of Veterans Day.

"I feel like it's a good way for kids to understand how people before us served and gave their lives for us and how we need to honor them because they are such amazing people," eighth-grader Rachel McConaghie said.

"I think it's really respectful, and we need to honor our veterans. And I think everybody should take time to respect them," seventh-grader James Harvey said.

O'Hara's school choir sang "You're a Grand Old Flag."