A program aimed at middle schools is encouraging Nebraska students to show gratitude to war veterans.

Under the Honor a Veteran program, students are asked to provide the names of relatives or friends who have served in the military.

Those nominated are honored at school events.

The program is sponsored by Secretary of State John Gale, who urged citizens to pay tribute to veterans on Veterans Day, which is Wednesday.

He said it would be fitting to remember the brave Americans who are serving in Afghanistan and Iraq or who have served there.