Aldine ISD Schools Honor Veterans With Celebrations

Students learned about patriotism and showed gratitude toward all who have served in the military.

The JROTC cadets from Nimitz High School show off their skills to captivated students at Parker Elementary School. The school celebrated Veterans Day on Monday, Nov. 11.

Parker Elementary School held its Veterans Day celebration on Monday, November 11. Choral students kicked things off with a loud “oorah!” before singing several patriotic songs.

Principal Candace Hardin shared with Parker Elementary students a little history of why we celebrate Veterans Day and how we should show our gratitude to all who have served in the military. After a few more songs, the JROTC cadets from Nimitz High School showed off their skills, which captivated the young audience.

A student at Ermel Elementary School writes her letter to veterans.

Parker Elementary School was just one of many schools across the district celebrating Veterans Day. Schools decorated their hallways and walls with displays honoring veterans, and many students and staff wore red, white, and blue. Some schools organized breakfast and lunch events with family, staff, and community members who served in the military.

Primary and elementary students took part in Operation Gratitude, which was a letter-writing campaign to collect letters and artwork from students for our veterans.

Operation Gratitude sends more than 300,000 care packages each year to deployed troops, veterans, recruit graduates, first responders, including wounded heroes and their caregivers. According to Gwendolyn Lockett, program director of elementary social studies, of all the items included in these care packages, the most cherished are the personal letters of appreciation.

The district’s goal with Operation Gratitude is to include as many letters and colorful drawings as possible in every care package. Lockett stated everyone involved in the project wants to ensure our heroes know we care.

“Today is a day to remember and a day to say thank you,” Hardin said. “Today, we honor veterans and celebrate the choice they made to serve their country. We are indebted to your service and your sacrifice.”