Rapid City, S.D. – Hundreds of Meadowbrook Elementary students lined the school’s driveway on Tuesday afternoon for the third annual drive‑through parade honoring veterans. The event, now the largest in its three‑year history, featured 20 to 30 vehicles carrying local veterans who slowly traveled the route while children waved flags, displayed handmade signs and banners, and handed out letters of appreciation.
Strong ties to military families
Principal Becky Hogancamp explained that the parade holds special meaning for many families in the school district. “Our students love it. We have a lot of military families,” she said. “Those kids are able to really highlight their families—grandparents, parents, siblings. And so the kids get super excited about it.”
Hogancamp estimated that about 450 students participated, making this year’s turnout the biggest since the parade began. Among the veterans were several school bus drivers who joined the procession for the first time, a moment Hogancamp described as “pretty special” because the children see those drivers every day.
Educational preparation
In the weeks leading up to the parade, teachers incorporated lessons about veterans and the importance of honoring their service. Students created posters, banners, and written reports, and practiced writing letters of gratitude. The school scheduled the parade for Nov. 10, a day before Veterans Day, to avoid conflicts with other community events and to encourage broader participation.
Community impact
Hogancamp thanked the veterans for attending and emphasized that the parade provides a tangible way for students to learn how to show appreciation and become active members of their community. “It’s an opportunity for our kids to recognize the sacrifices made by those who have served,” she said.
The event reflects Meadowbrook Elementary’s commitment to fostering respect for service members and strengthening the bond between the school and the families it serves. As the parade continues to grow, school leaders hope it will remain a cherished tradition that brings together students, veterans, and the wider Rapid City community.
Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.
