Clarkson Students Lead Touching Veterans Day Ceremony, Launch Holiday Initiative for Troops

CLARKSON, Neb. — In a display of heartfelt appreciation, Clarkson Public School's annual Veterans Day ceremony took a new direction this year, as students took the reins to honor America's veterans. Teachers and staff joined the community in celebrating the event, which also held a special initiative to support active-duty military personnel during the holiday season.

"Patriotism is a simple word that encompasses all the ways that we can play our part in being good citizens of this country," said Claire Holoubek, a junior at Clarkson High School, emphasizing the students' commitment to honoring those who serve.

Redefining traditional notions of patriotism, students demonstrated that honoring veterans is a responsibility for all ages. The Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) chapter at Clarkson found innovative ways to pay tribute, including a poignant table setting to honor veterans missing in action or prisoners of war.

"As a student body and as our part of our National Honor Society, we help organize this event with the help of the band to have this memorial for all these veterans and thank them for their service," said senior Josh Eisenmamn.

Beyond the ceremony, students unveiled "Christmas for the Troops," a school-wide contest encouraging each class to collect packaged foods and gifts for soldiers. The initiative aims to uplift the spirits of American troops during the holiday season and underscores the students' deep gratitude for their service.

"What we want people to see is to honor not just our veterans, but also everyone serving our country," Holoubek added. "So along with showing gratitude to our veterans, we want them to show patriotism in their communities and in their daily lives."