Nov 20, 2015 2 min read

CARMICHAELS – As a veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard’s 103rd Armor Battalion in Connellsville, Carmichaels Elementary School Principal Fred Morecraft knows firsthand how meaningful small gestures like greeting cards are to soldiers.

That was the motivation behind his students and faculty sending more than 450 personalized cards to soldiers.

This month, Carmichaels Elementary students created cards for men and women serving overseas during the Christmas holiday season.

“I think it is important to show our kids to appreciate what our veterans and soldiers do for us, so I thought this was a great initiative to show our support,” Morecraft said. “I was also in the military for 11 years, so it is something that is near and dear to my heart as well.”

The school participated in the initiative last year, but did not get the cards sent in time. However, this year they finished them well before the holidays.

“It is something I connect with personally because I have a lot of friends who went overseas,” Morecraft said.

Students in kindergarten through second grade had a card template they colored along with writing their names on the inside. Third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students customized cards and also included personal messages on the inside.

Third-grader Jersey Smith and fifth-grade student Jacob Fordyce agreed the activity was not only fun, but was something the soldiers deserved.

“It was important because they are taking the time away from their family to go and help us,” Smith said.

Her card was decorated with a large “Merry Christmas” written on the front and a Christmas tree behind the words. Inside, she wrote about her appreciation for the things soldiers are doing to keep her safe.

Fordyce made a card with Santa Claus holding an American flag.

“We made sure they knew how much we appreciate everything that they do for us,” Fordyce said. “It’s just an honor to be able to actually send cards to them. They risk their lives for us and the more we do for them, it makes them feel better and thank them for everything they do.”

Morecraft said the cards will be shipped overseas by the Red Cross, and they hope to receive cards back from the soldiers.

He also plans to extend the school’s programs with veterans next year by adding a luncheon with guest speakers.