HORSEHEADS, N.Y. (WENY) -- Veterans Day is on Monday, November 11th, and students at Center Street Elementary School in Horseheads have already begun honoring the veterans in their lives with a special ceremony. In what has become a beloved annual tradition, the school's fourth-grade class invited family members who have served to take part in a heartfelt tribute.
The event includes veterans from all military branches, bringing together parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other loved ones to be recognized by the young students. For those kids, it's an opportunity to pay their respects and learn about the importance of service and sacrifice.
"We're at Horseheads Center Street School, where they have an annual Veterans Day ceremony, where the fourth-grade class brings in their loved ones, their relatives, their mother, their father, their grandfather, grandmother, aunt, and uncle to honor them for their service here, and the school does a great job of educating the students about our veterans, about military service, the importance of it," says Senator Tom O'Mara, (R)- Big Flats.
The tradition began about 16 years ago when teachers noticed that many students didn't understand the meaning behind the holiday.
"One of the things that made a big difference is when I came here about 16 years ago, students didn't know what Veterans Day was all about," says Principal Patricia Sotero, Center Street Elementary School. "They thought it was a free day off or a day six in our cycle of days, and that really hurt my heart. So I talked to our leadership team and when we got back together we said what can we do to honor veterans."
Since then, this ceremony has become an important part of the school's Veterans Day observance, helping students grasp the significance of the day and giving veterans in the community a place to share their stories. For many, the ceremony is a powerful moment that brings pride and joy.
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"I think immediately it means pride," says Horseheads Mayor Kevin Adams. "I mean, there's nothing you can't walk away without being proud, and I hope that there is hope that comes after that pride that you know. I think the children see the divisiveness that happened through this election and they feel that too. So I'm hoping that the pride and hope is here for all the children who were able to experience this. "
For both students and their families, Veterans Day at Center Street Elementary has become more than just a holiday. It's a meaningful, annual occasion that bridges generations, allowing veterans to share their experiences with younger generations who will carry these stories forward.
"It's been a fabulous tribute to our veterans ever since," says Assemblyman Christopher Friend, (R) Big Flats.
Through the special event, students leave with a newfound respect for Veterans Day and a connection to the stories of those who have served. It's a ceremony that continues to shape how students understand and honor sacrifices made for our country.