GOWANDA - Every student was able to shake a veterans hand at Gowanda Elementary Friday and say thank you.
For the second year in a row, Gowanda Elementary honored local veterans of the community during a morning assembly. Following the ceremony, veterans lined the hallways of the school so students could shake their hand.
"The whole purpose of today is to shake a veterans' hand," Elementary Principal Janice Stokes said.
Article Photos
OBSERVER Photo by Samantha McDonnell
Gowanda elementary students were given the chance to shake a veterans hand and personally say 'thank you' during a school assembly to honor local veterans.
Students in kindergarten through fourth grade honored veterans through song and poems. Fourth grade students Hailey Fisher and Brian Nephew read the history of Veterans Day.
"It's a time to be thankful for our veterans," Brian said.
Both students said Nov. 11 is "a time to honor those who have served in the military." Students honored the 43 veterans in attendance by singing "America," "Armed Forces Medley" and "Thank You Soldiers." Students in kindergarten and first grade said an acrostic poem which spelled out freedom. Stokes was happy with the number of veterans that attended.
"We're pleased that (the veterans) could be here and pleased we could do this for them," she said.
In preparation for the assembly, students were given a connection project to complete with their families. Students, along with their families, were asked to make cards or posters honoring veterans and to say thank you. The projects were displayed throughout the school and in the cafeteria for veterans to see following the ceremony. Some students shared their letters and projects as part of the ceremony.
"I appreciate you doing this. It must be very hard being away from your family," fourth grade student Lindsey Gabel said, reading from her letter.
Third-grader Dominik Collazo read an acrostic poem that spelled out veterans. Kindergartner Madden Lay wrote a letter to veterans thanking them for their service. Third grade student Abigail Rolon wrote a thank you letter to her mom.
"Thank you for serving," she read from her letter.
Stokes told students that since Veterans Day is officially Sunday, they should honor veterans that day as well.
"I hope on Sunday, which is really Veterans Day, that you fly your flags," she said.
Comments on this article may be sent to smcdonnell@observertoday.com.
