PELHAM – In recognition of Veterans Day, students at Pelham Oaks and Pelham Ridge elementary schools spent the afternoon of Friday, Nov. 9, honoring relatives and friends who served or are serving in the United States armed forces.

Pelham Oaks assistant principal Chase Holden said the goal was to teach students that the simple every day activities they enjoy wouldn’t be possible if veterans weren’t protecting their freedoms.

“It’s good for them to be a part of programs like this one so they can learn to have respect for our veterans,” Holden said. “Every year that we do this our goal is to do a good job honoring our veterans while also educating our students.”

Third through fifth grade students at Pelham Oaks showed their respect by passing out small American flags to members of their family who served or are serving in the military. Students with a relative currently deployed stood in the place of their loved one who could not be there.

Fourth and fifth grade students also treated those in attendance with three songs – “Gather Around and I’ll Tell You a Story,” “The Brave” and “America For Me” – led by music teacher Jane Synder. For several weeks leading up the program, students take the responsibility of learning the songs very seriously.

Leading up to program, Holden said teachers engage their students with various activities aimed at teaching them more about why they get to be out of school in observance of the holiday. Some of the artwork created by students could be seen posted on the walls beside some classrooms.

Students were also tasked with writing an essay expressing what Veterans Day means to them. A winner from each grade was selected. The third-grade winner was Ava Mayfield and the fourth-grade winner was Reilly Fell, who highlighted his grandfathers who served in World War II. Fifth-grader Reemal Sultan’s essay reflected on the sacrifices veterans make, such as being away from their families for months at a time.

The program ended with a standing ovation for the veterans in attendance as they exited the school’s lunchroom.