Fourth-graders at the Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School in Croton-On-Hudson engaged in several activities and initiatives before and after the holiday in November.
“We began with a discussion of what a veteran is and why it is important to honor them on Veterans Day,” said teacher Theresa Arturi.
Students watched a video on the different branches of the armed forces and took notes, she said.
After discussing what they learned in the video, students shared ideas of what to include in their letters, Arturi said.
They also explored the Operation Gratitude website and brainstormed about topics to include in their letters.
“The class took their notes home and wrote the letters there,” Arturi said.
The letters will be sent on to Operation Gratitude to distributed to servicemen and women.
Other students filled out cards to attach to gift bags for the annual veterans luncheon at the Croton Yacht Club.
Meanwhile, students in Ruth Sullivan’s third-grade class welcomed a special visitor.
Ralph Buffone, a Vietnam War veteran and grandfather of one of the students, spoke with the class about his responsibilities as a soldier in the U.S. Army.
When asked by a student what his proudest moment in the Army was, Buffone replied: “Serving my country and making it home in one piece.”
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