What Veterans Day Means to Third Graders at Opportunity Elementary

The Veterans Club recently received letters and drawings from third graders at Opportunity Elementary School in Spokane Valley about what Veterans Day means to them. Thanks to Mike Borrows of the Post Falls chapter, who worked with the school to make this possible, the students filled the pages with crayon soldiers saluting, hearts, and simple, heartfelt words of thanks. Reading them is a reminder of how clearly children see service, sacrifice, and safety.

Across the letters, a few ideas come through again and again. Veterans keep us safe. They serve our country and fight for freedom. They make sacrifices so others can live in peace. And, in the students’ eyes, they are the nicest people on earth.

One student wrote, “Thank you for serving our country. You keep us safe.” Another put it plainly: “Thank you for keeping us safe! From Caden.” Samuel’s note carried the weight of what that safety means: “thank you for keeping america safe. we mite be dead without people who fight.”

Several children spoke directly to the idea of sacrifice and freedom. One wrote, “The day matters to me because your fighting for our freedom, and thank you so much ♥ happy veterans day!!” Another thanked veterans “for everything that you done for us” and for the sacrifice. Serena’s letter said, “Thank you for saving the world you are the Best veterans. Love Serena.”

Gratitude showed up in other ways too. One student declared, “you are all stars.” Pilot’s letter stood out for its warmth: “Thank you for fighting for America. Veterans day makes me think of the nicest people on earth.” Stella connected the day to her own family: “Thank you for serving in the millatary also, the millatary reminds me of my dad named matt he was in the airforce. I believe that you are awsome guy or girl.”

Many of the notes were decorated with hearts and the words “we love you” or “Love vets.” The drawings showed saluting figures in green uniforms, some with goggles or helmets, a few with ponytails, all smiling. The message was consistent even when the handwriting was uneven: thank you for serving, thank you for keeping us safe, we love you.

These third graders do not use the language of policy or programs. They speak in the language of everyday security and simple appreciation. Veterans Day, to them, is the day we remember the people who make the rest of the year possible—the ones who serve so that children can draw pictures, go to school, and feel safe.

At The Veterans Club, we talk often about social connectedness and purpose. These letters are a small, powerful example of connection. A class of third graders in Spokane Valley took the time to say thank you, and in doing so they reminded every veteran who reads them that their service is seen, valued, and loved by the next generation.

We are grateful to Opportunity Elementary, to Mike Borrows for helping bring these letters together, and to every student who shared a drawing or a few sentences. Your words matter. Happy Veterans Day.

Below are scans of the letters from each of the third grade students from Opportunity Elementary.