On Veterans Day, students from kindergarten through eighth grade at Mountain View Academy gathered to honor the men and women who have served our nation. The school’s participation in Project Gratitude, a program run by National Heritage Academies (NHA) charter schools in nine states, focused on gratitude‑centered lessons and activities, most notably the writing of thank‑you letters to veterans.
Project Gratitude expands across the country
Project Gratitude was launched by NHA to foster a spirit of appreciation for the military within its school communities. Last year, students in the NHA network wrote more than 25,000 letters to service members, expressing personal thanks and acknowledging the sacrifices made by veterans and their families. This year, Mountain View Academy students aim to add to that total, hoping to send an even larger number of letters on Veterans Day.
Local impact in Colorado Springs
KRDO13 spoke with several students and staff members at Mountain View Academy about the project’s significance for the local military community. “We want our veterans to know that we see them and we appreciate them,” said a fourth‑grade teacher who helped guide the letter‑writing exercise. Students described the activity as an opportunity to learn about the history of the armed forces and to practice expressing gratitude in a meaningful way.
Many of the letters will be delivered to veterans and active‑duty service members stationed nearby, including those at Fort Carson and the nearby Air Force bases. The school hopes the personal messages will bring a sense of connection between the younger generation and the military families that call Colorado Springs home.
Community response
Parents and local veterans’ groups have praised the initiative, noting that such gestures reinforce the community’s respect for those who have defended the Constitution and protected American freedoms. A local veteran who received a letter from a fifth‑grader said, “It means a lot to see kids taking the time to write and say thank you. It reminds us why we serve.”
The project also aligns with broader community values that emphasize faith, family, and individual liberty. By encouraging students to recognize the sacrifices of veterans, the school reinforces the principle that a strong nation is built on grateful, responsible citizens.
Looking ahead
National Heritage Academies plans to continue expanding Project Gratitude in the coming years, inviting more schools to join the effort and increasing the number of letters sent to service members nationwide. Mountain View Academy will evaluate the impact of this year’s letters and consider additional ways to involve students in supporting the veteran community, such as hosting a Veterans Day assembly or organizing a service‑learning project.
For families interested in learning more about Project Gratitude or contributing letters, the school has provided contact information on its website and encourages community members to share their own messages of thanks.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
