Today, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of our Veterans. Thank you for your courage, your sacrifices, and your dedication to protecting the freedoms we are so fortunate to enjoy. We are incredibly grateful to each of you!
A special thank-you to everyone who joined us for our Veterans Day program, as well as our students, staff, and volunteers who worked so hard to make this special day possible. A big thank-you to Biggby Coffee for generously donating coffee and helping make our morning even more special. It was a beautiful opportunity for our school family to come together and honor those who have served our country.
Through our school-wide read-aloud of Pocket Bear, we learned how pocket bears were given to soldiers to provide comfort and a reminder of home while serving on active duty. We also learned about the Stars for Our Troops Organization, a group of patriotic volunteers who dedicate their time to giving American flags a new purpose. When flags become tattered and faded and are retired from service, these volunteers carefully preserve the embroidered stars and pass along their legacy to those who have defended our country.
In many ways, these stars are a modern-day pocket bear—a small reminder of love, comfort, and the gratitude of a nation.
Each Veteran attending our program received a Pocket Bear and a handmade card created by our very own 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Kellie. The front of each card features a star repurposed by the DAV Ladies Auxiliary Chapter 105 in Wayne County, Kentucky. We hope these small gifts serve as a meaningful token of our appreciation and a reminder that your service and sacrifices are never forgotten.
At Pleasant Grove Elementary, we are proud to support organizations that care for our heroes and our community. Giving back has become a meaningful part of our school's commitment to honoring those who serve.
2023: Donated $1,000 to Active Heroes.
2024: Raised $1,280 for USA Cares.
2025: Donated $1,500 to the Roll Call Foundation.
2026: Through proceeds from our Grandparent Day Photos and Hat Day on November 10th, we raised $2,500, which was proudly presented to Active Heroes during our Veterans Day program!
We are incredibly proud of our students, families, and staff for continuing to make a difference. These contributions are one small way we can show our gratitude and support the organizations that serve those who have served us.
To all of our Veterans, thank you for your service, your bravery, and your willingness to serve something greater than yourselves. We are proud to honor you, today and every day.
From all of us at Pleasant Grove Elementary, Happy Veterans Day! ❤️🤍💙