JKHA students marked Veterans Day in many ways in order to appreciate our country’s veterans. Lower school students learned about what a veteran is, and the different divisions of the US Armed Forces. Second graders learned about the significance of Veterans Day and the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who have served in our US armed forces. The students explored the history of this important day and discussed the values of courage, commitment and service. As part of their classroom activities, each student wrote heartfelt letters to current troops and veterans, expressing their gratitude and appreciation for their service. It was heartwarming to see the thoughtful messages and drawings that the children created. Additionally, they crafted colorful pictures that will get sent along with the letters. The letters will be sent through Operation Gratitude, a nonprofit organization that sends care packages which include handwritten letters and cards in every care package that they send to deployed troops, recruit graduates, veterans, wounded heroes and first responders.

To mark Veterans Day, middle school had the special opportunity to hear from Charlie Larkin, Veteran of the US Army (and JKHA parent). Larkin spoke about his experience serving in the army and being stationed in Afghanistan and Iraq.