Jefferson Veterans Day Celebration this year was held through Zoom. Pictured are members of Vietnam Veterans Association: Dan Kell, Frank LaMarca, Mark Andrews and Jay Book.

In a world that is very different, Jefferson Middle School fifth-graders from Gina Hess and Priscilla Menzies’ classroom kept a 19-year-old tradition alive by holding their Veterans’ Gathering by Zoom. The students entertained the veterans with songs, poems and stories to thank them for their service to our country.

The Veterans’ Gathering is an annual tradition for fifth graders. The celebration is something that both students and veterans have grown to enjoy. The veterans that joined the students are members of Vietnam Veterans Association: Dan Kell, Frank LaMarca, Mark Andrews and Jay Book. The Jefferson students are very thankful to these veterans for attending under such unique circumstances.

The students found the Veterans’ Day celebration interesting, too. Dominic Newman said, “I learned that veterans had to get up early and run and sleep on uncomfortable beds. It is important to learn this because we got to meet veterans to find out what their life was like.”

“It is hard with the uncertainty around us to focus on being thankful”, said Mrs. Hess.

“Our students are so grateful that these veterans spoke to how they maintained their appreciation and love of the small things in life. Although tough times occur, good days will soon follow. In the words of our veteran guests, ‘be kind no matter what is happening around you.’ We can not thank these men and women enough for their continued service to our country.”