Veterans turn in their seats to watch fourth-graders recite a patriotic poem to them the morning of Friday, November 8, 2024, during Gowanda Elementary School’s annual Veterans Day assembly.

GOWANDA — A schoolwide effort to honor area veterans was held at Gowanda Elementary School on Friday, featuring music, poetry, art, and heartfelt appreciation. Students and staff — many clad in red, white and blue — gathered in the gymnasium in a show of patriotism and respect to recognize military veterans ahead of the official observance of Veterans Day on Monday.The event featured student speeches, writings, and some history about Veterans Day.

The district extends invitations to members of the local VFW, American Legion as well as the Seneca Nation American Legion with more than 30 veterans attending as guests of students.

The assembly is a school effort. Grade-level teachers devote time practicing with students for the songs and poems presented in advance. Caroline Young of the Native American Education program works with students to present about Navajo Code Talkers, Karie Bugenhagen helps students prepare songs and leads the music portions, and Casey Mohr does artwork with students to display. Information Technology staff handily assisted with the audio-visual portion of the event.

The PTO graciously provided refreshments for the veterans in the cafeteria prior to the assembly. Additionally, the PTO is facilitating the creation of Christmas cards and donations for care packages sent to deployed soldiers and airmen during the holiday season via the Blue Star Mothers of WNY organization.

Schools are closed Monday in advance of the official observance.