OKEECHOBEE — Many have asked why the schools in Okeechobee County are not closed in honor of Veterans' Day. Most seem to feel taking the day off is the best way to show respect for veterans. This week, the Okeechobee County School District explained why they remain open, highlighting the various programs each school held.

Yearling Middle School JROTC participates in ceremony honoring veterans.

Central Elementary School students wrote letters to veterans, thanking them for their service.

Everglades Elementary School students wore red, white and blue and waved flags during their ceremony.

North Elementary held an assembly and invited local veterans to attend.

Seminole Elementary celebrates Veterans' Day.

South Elementary School students enjoy hearing their school choir sing on Veterans' Day.

Osceola Middle School band performs at the Veterans' Day assembly.

At the Okeechobee Freshman Campus, the JROTC participated in the Veterans' Day assembly.

Okeechobee veterans were invited to celebrate Veterans' Day at the Okeechobee High School.

Not only did the public school students participate in their own school ceremonies, but some took time out of their days to visit private schools. Here, the Okeechobee High School FFA helped with a ceremony for Rock Solid Christian Academy.

"Okeechobee County Schools would like to say THANK YOU to all of the men and women who are currently serving or have served in the past in our military. We are so grateful for the sacrifices you and your families made so that we may live in the land of the free!" said the staff, students and families.