Our school hallways were awash with red, white & blue on the Friday before Veterans Day. St. Mary School Students were invited to bring in $2 per student to dress down in a red, white, or blue patriotic shirt with their uniform pants, jumper or skirt. All proceeds went toward funding "HERO Boxes" for senior veterans.
The HERO Box program is an initiative of Senior Wishes, started in 2013 by the United Church Home Society (UCHS). UCHS serves the senior citizen population of Western New York, and brings real value to the aged. Whether it's a simple need or a bucket list wish, Senior Wishes strives to make a difference in the lives of local Seniors. The goal of the program is to honor and recognize the lifelong contributions of Seniors and promote their quality of life by granting them a wish that brings them joy. They granted their 450th wish in 2023!
Senior Wishes grants wishes to Veterans all year long, but on Veterans Day they deserve special recognition. During the month of November, Senior Wishes recognizes senior Veterans by delivering HERO Boxes filled with patriotic items. Priority is given to WWII and Korean Veterans, however all Veterans 65+ may be nominated, or apply themselves. In 2023, Senior Wishes delivered HERO boxes to 53 Veterans, twelve of whom served in WWII. Each veteran received a box of patriotic items and an eagle blanket, and were able to share their stories. Each one of them is truly a HERO!
St. Mary School students are proud to have contributed to sponsoring some of the HERO boxes distributed this November. See the photos below of the SMS sponsored boxes that were delivered to local veterans.
In addition, SMS students created cards that were distributed to veterans within our parish family at Masses over the long weekend, and each grade recognized the day and honored the service of our veterans in their own way. Miss Gon's Kindergartners created beautiful crosses with poppies that included a line from the famous poem, "In Flanders Fields" by Canadian Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae that is often read on Veterans Day and is a symbol of remembrance for those who have served in war.
May God Bless all veterans for their sacrifices! If you'd like to get involved with the HERO Box initiative and host a dress down day at your school or office, click here: https://www.seniorwishes.org/organize-dress-down-day