BLUE MOUND, Ill. (WAND) – Students at Meridian Elementary School took a break from their regular lessons to honor local heroes during a heartfelt Veterans Day program filled with music, artwork, and letters of appreciation.
Principal Sarah Major said the event was one of her favorite days of the year.
“The kids were so excited to be able to participate, to be able to do artwork that hung out in the lobby so the veterans could see,” Major said. “We did the mail call at the end, and all of the kids participated by creating letters and drawing cards, coloring pages to be able to give them their last mail call.”
Students of all ages came together to sing patriotic songs, recite the Pledge of Allegiance, and welcome community veterans. Major said watching her students perform was a proud moment.
“They did great,” she said. “Being able to sit for that long is really tough for elementary students — I mean, it’s tough for adults too — but they did a great job. Hearing their little voices say the pledge, hearing the middle school and high school choir singing those songs so lovely... it’s just so great.”
The school’s gym and hallways were decorated with patriotic displays and messages of gratitude created by students. Major said programs like this teach kids valuable lessons about respect and service.
“It just demonstrates that there is a need to honor our veterans,” she explained. “Sometimes kids don’t understand that if they don’t have a veteran or military service member in their family. Being in school today, they’re able to recognize that and learn more about it.”
After a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, the program returned last year. Major said it’s now a cherished tradition once again.
“Last year was my first year here, and the teachers asked, ‘Hey, could we bring back the veterans program?’ And I said, ‘Yep!’” Major recalled. “We were all on board. We have a veteran on our staff."
Major said she’s thankful to her staff, students, and the community for helping make the day meaningful for those who’ve served.
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