Schools and politicians across Long Island honored U.S. service members Friday as Veterans Day approaches.

Students at McKenna Elementary School in Massapequa honored Army Spc. Jose Ruiz of Brentwood. Ruiz was killed while serving in Iraq. As part of the ceremony, Ruiz's parents received an American flag.

State Sen. Carl Marcelino (R-Oyster Bay) was on hand in Huntington Station to honor 82-year-old Louis John Fox for his service in World War II. Fox flew a B-24 bomber one day before the first atomic bomb was dropped. Marcelino presented Fox with the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross, the state's highest military honor.

In Lindenhurst, students at William Rall Elementary School sang to veterans of all ages in attendance.

Veterans Day, a federal holiday, is on Sunday, Nov. 11 and is observed Monday, Nov. 12 nationwide.

To watch extended video coverage of students honoring Long Island veterans, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.Related Information:The Florence and Robert A. Rosen Family Wellness Center Department of Veterans AffairsGI Bill Information Burial and Memorial InformationMilitary.comWounded Warriors ProjectNational Alliance to End HomelessnessNew DirectionsProjectHome.org