PLUMSTED – Pupils at the Dr. Gerald H. Woehr Elementary School participated in an assembly on Nov. 8 during which they honored local veterans and kicked off their third annual “Thank You to A Veteran” project.
According to a press release from the Plumsted Township School District, the project encourages the children to show their respect for veterans by reaching out by phone, email or text message to say thank you on Veterans Day to all those who have served the nation in the armed forces.
The assembly precedes the project and educates the students with the personal stories of those who have served and are serving the nation now. The students also learn about the history of Veterans Day, which is celebrated each year on Nov. 11.
Those in attendance were the Honor Guard, servicemen and servicewomen from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, and veterans of family members of students and staff members.
The children listened as veterans from all five branches of the armed forces shared their experiences, responsibilities and reasons they felt called to serve, according to the press release.
The chorus led the school in singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” and other patriotic songs. Students then shook hands with the veterans and thanked them for their service.
Each child received an American flag as a reminder of the freedom every American has as a result of the sacrifices made by veterans. The second-graders lined the front of the school with American flags in honor of those who served, according to the press release.