IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Students across the region found creative ways to thank our local veterans today. From performances to artwork, these students worked hard to show their love.
The 5th graders at Hillview Elementary put together a moving performance – singing patriotic songs and honoring the veterans in the audience.
Gem Prep Charter School in Idaho Falls brought their veterans in to walk through the halls. Students showed them drawings they made, cheered, and gave them high fives.
“My daughter said that they’re going to be honoring the veterans,” said Felipe Saldana, a Marine Corps veteran. “She asked me to come and… she said it would mean a lot to her for me to come do this. And it was really nice. It’s emotional to me. But, yeah, it was really nice coming back.”
Getting to see these young students, who may not have experienced the wars, but will remember moments of celebration with their veterans, means so much to our local heroes.
“Kind of brings tears to my eyes, walking down these halls with the kids,” Gary Messenger, a Vietnam veteran, said. “Makes your heart fluttered a lot. Just to be recognized by the younger generation for what we did.”
Many schools wanted to ensure students had a chance to meet with our local heroes across the region.
“On Veterans Day, our scholars, staff, and veteran family members came together for a Veterans’ Honor Walk to recognize the service and sacrifices of our local veterans,” Gem Prep Idaho Falls leaders stated. “We wanted to create an opportunity for our scholars to walk alongside those who have served, express their gratitude, and learn the importance of honoring the people who have helped shape our communities and protect our freedoms.”
