Events at elementary schools to honor veterans

The Chardon School District’s grammar school contingent has numerous events planned for Nov. 10 to honor U.S. servicemen and women, past and present.

According to a news release from the district, Hambden, Maple, Munson and Park elementary schools each has a unique program planned. They are: • Hambden Elementary is inviting area veterans to come on Nov. 10 to share their stories

with the students. Veterans can come for breakfast from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. After that, veterans will speak with students in their classrooms. Those interested in taking part are asked to contact the Hambden School office at 440-286-7503.

• Maple Elementary will host its annual Veterans Day Assembly at 2:15 p.m. Nov. 10. Veterans who are family members of Maple students are encourage to share their stories.

• Munson Elementary will be holding a Personal Needs Drive for patients at the Cleveland VA Hospital. Items being collected include toiletries, socks, underwear, sweatshirts and pants, books, crossword and Sodoku puzzles, and other personal needs items. Donations can be dropped off at the school through Nov. 10.

• Park Elementary will honor veterans at 9:45 a.m., Nov. 10 at Park Auditorium. Parents/relatives of students who have served in the Armed Forces are invited to attend this program.

“It is an honor to be recognized by the Chardon Schools. Thank you to all the veterans who are participating in these programs, and sharing their stories.” — Bill Richardson, Chardon VFW Post 6519’s commander

Veterans are asked to wear their uniforms, if possible, and they will have an opportunity to share (one to five minutes) with the audience their years of service, area of service in the Armed Forces, and what being a veteran means to them. Boy and Girl scouts are also asked to wear their uniforms for this day.

For the Park Elementary School event, district officials remind the public that parking at the school is limited and that parking spaces around Chardon’s square offer easier access to the school’s auditorium.

School officials say Veterans Day is an important event that provides an opportunity for students and the community to recognize and learn about the critical contribution America’s veterans have made.

“Chardon Schools is proud of our tradition of recognizing the service of our veterans through a wide range of events in our schools,” wrote district superintendent Michael Hanlon in a Nov. 2 email exchange.

“The activities provide students with a first-hand understanding of the commitment to service and country demonstrated by our veterans. Now, more than ever, it is important to recognize and value the selfless role that veterans and active military continue to play in preserving the rights and freedoms that we enjoy in this country.”

One Chardon veterans’ advocate said he’s honored by the schools’ recognition.

“It is an honor to be recognized by the Chardon Schools,” said Bill Richardson, Chardon VFW Post 6519’s commander. “Thank you to all the veterans who are participating in these programs, and sharing their stories.”