Jefferson Middle School fifth-graders from Gina Hess and Rebecca Rupolo’s classrooms recently held a gathering to honor local veterans for Veterans Day.

Students served veterans desserts and coffee. In addition, they entertained the veterans with songs, poems and stories to thank them for their service to the country.

The Veterans’ Gathering is an annual tradition for fifth graders at Jefferson Middle School which has lasted for about 18 years. The celebration is something that both students and veterans have grown to enjoy. This year, Hess received the Golden Dog Tag Award from the Vietnam Veterans Association as gratitude for understanding and supporting veterans. In addition, a donation was given to Hess to assist the continuation of this tradition in the future.

“Veterans Day is a meaningful holiday for students to understand,” Hess said. “When students can speak to veterans directly, they better understand the teamwork and discipline that the military has provided these men and women. Students gather knowledge that freedom is something to be valued; something we wouldn’t have without these veterans. Giving thanks for the extraordinary sacrifices that veterans have given to us is learning beyond the textbook for these students.”