SHENANDOAH JUNCTION, W.Va. -- Veterans visiting Applebee's in Charles Town this Veterans Day will receive a free meal and a special note of appreciation thanks in part to students at T.A. Lowery Elementary School (TALES). The school participated in a project to create handmade cards for local men and women who served in our nation's armed forces. Veterans dining at Applebee’s in Jefferson Crossing will receive a card plus a free meal and beverage.
"It's a great way to make their day even better," said Ashley Bracket, an Applebee's employee whose daughter is a kindergartener at TALES.
Bracket reached out to Principal Kristen Marten, who embraced the opportunity to have her students participate.
"I love the community involvement," said Martin. "It's nice for our students to know their cards are going to an actual person. It's a tangible connection to our community and our veterans."
The project had personal meaning for fifth-grader Noah Arauz. "It meant a lot to me because my cousin was in the National Guard.”
Other students appreciated the opportunity to give back.
"I just wanted to be nice and helpful," said first-grader Enzo Green.
Fourth-grader Evelyn Juraschek included a unique feature of appreciation in her card. "I made a pop-out heart to say 'thank you,'" she said. "Because I'm glad the veterans served to help us and keep us safe."
Photo (from l.): Evelyn Juraschek, Grade 4; Enzo Green, Grade 1; Lucian Biggie, Grade 2; George Maravas, Grade 2; Autumn Wolfe, Grade 4; and Noah Arauz, Grade 5, display the cards they created for local veterans visiting Applebee’s in Charles Town on Veterans Day.