Here’s how Christian schools have celebrated Veterans Day across the United States

Christian schools across the country honored veterans Friday with special events and recognition for military service.

At College Heights Christian School in Joplin, Missouri, the annual Veterans Day Recognition chapel service brought together students, parents, grandparents and family members who are current or former military members.

The service opened with an ROTC presentation of colors, and included elementary, middle and high school choir performances. A Missouri Army National Guard chaplain presented a message on spiritual fitness, and the chapel service closed with a presentation of flags to military families.

“It was an amazing morning at the school, honoring veterans from our school families,” said Christina Hardy, the school’s admissions officer and assistant to the superintendent.

In Oak Lawn, Illinois, fourth- and fifth-graders from Southwest Chicago Christian School got to step across the street to pay a special visit to veterans living in an assisted care facility, Grace Point Place. Students decorated the Grace Point sidewalks with flags, drawings and messages for the five veterans living at the facility.

Fourth-grader Brayden Roozeboom told the Chicago Tribune the seniors remind him of his grandparents. “It’s really nice to be here so they remember what they did and what they served for.” 

At Faith Christian School in Anniston, Alabama, the sophomore class placed flags at Oxford Freedom Park, near granite markers that represent the service of military members. The students worked in partnership with their local arts council. 

In Waynesville, North Carolina, Haywood Christian Academy hosted its third annual parade and free drive-through lunch for area veterans. 

“We are so pleased to be able to honor our veterans in this way and to show our students first-hand how to respect and appreciate the individuals who have sacrificed so much for the greater good,” Kelli Herbert, head of school, told local media. “We cannot fully express our gratitude to those who have bravely served and made possible the freedoms we enjoy.”