A hall-full of Gardnerville grade-schoolers were urged to reflect on why they have Thursday off at the elementary school’s annual Veterans Appreciation Assembly on Wednesday.
“When you’re at home, think about why you have the day off instead of just being excited not to be at school,” Heather Daniels said. “Really think about the sacrifices brave veterans have made for you to enjoy the life you have.”
Daniels said 32 veterans turned out for the first group of students at Gardnerville Elementary School.
Topaz Ranch Estates resident Tom Lallement played Taps at the event.
“It’s an honor you could join us here today in a long-held tradition at Gardnerville Elementary School of honoring the heroes of our community,” Daniels said.
This year marks a century since the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was established at Arlington National Ceremony.
Students Josh Hoover and Anders Nixon talked about the history of the founding of the Tomb.
“One unknown soldier from World War I was buried at the tomb on Nov. 11, 1921,” Josh said. “He represented every unknown service member.”
Thursday is a national holiday in honor of U.S. veterans. Nov. 11 marks the date when World War I ended and was called Armistice Day until it was changed at the request of veterans’ groups in 1954.
Each veteran was given a book made by the students to keep.
More than 50 people turned out at the Douglas County Community and Senior Center and the Suicide Prevention for a veterans’ appreciation day.
Eastside Memorial Cemetery is hosting a flag retirement ceremony hosted by Boy Scout Troop 33. The ceremony is 11 a.m. Thursday.
Wednesday is also the 246th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps. Carson Valley Marines were scheduled to gather 6 p.m. at the Douglas County Judicial & Law Enforcement Center.