School Honors Veterans in 15th-Year Tribute

Independence Middle School students recognized local military veterans during a Veterans Day ceremony in the school gym.

Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Awards

Bold vector editorial illustration of a folded flag resting on a wooden chair beside an empty chair against a warm background. — Independence Middle School marked 15 years of its Veterans Day tribute on Tuesday, honoring local Army, Navy and Marine veterans in its gym. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Independence Middle School held a Veterans Day tribute in its gym honoring military veterans, marking 15 years of the school's tradition. A panel of Army, Navy and Marines veterans shared their stories with students, who honored each veteran one by one.

Why it matters

Civics teacher Michael Gallo said the event is about teaching students to appreciate those who served. For Jupiter residents, it highlights a long-running local effort to connect students with the community's veterans.

The tribute marks 15 years of the school's veterans tradition, with a panel drawn from the Army, Navy and Marines. Attendance totals and the number of participating students were not reported.

The players

Independence Middle School

A public middle school in Jupiter, Florida, that has hosted this veterans tribute tradition for 15 years.

Mike Trim

A WPTV news anchor and Navy veteran who connected with veterans at the event and led the students' crowd chant.

Michael Gallo

A civics teacher at Independence Middle School who said the event teaches students to appreciate those who served.

The details

The ceremony was held in the school gym, where the school band performed patriotic songs. WPTV anchor Mike Trim, a Navy veteran, joined veterans in the audience and led students in a crowd chant of 'Go Navy' on a count of three.

Veterans Day tribute held at Independence Middle School on November 10, 2026, celebrated early.

Legacy Tradition

The Independence Middle School ceremony extends the national Veterans Day observance, first set as a federal holiday in 1954, into a locally sustained student program. Its 15-year run shows how schools can keep the observance active beyond a single calendar date.

Jupiter families and students can attend or follow future Independence Middle School veterans tributes to see the tradition firsthand. Residents interested in honoring veterans can contact the school to learn how community members take part.

The takeaway

Attending or supporting local school ceremonies is a simple way for residents to recognize veterans in their own community. Students gain the most when they hear directly from the people whose service they are learning about.