Minnewaska Area School will hold its 17th Annual Veterans Appreciation program on Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11 at the Minnewaska Area High School gymnasium.

The program will commemorate all local veterans for their “service to our country,” it was stated in a letter from the school district. The program will begin at 9 a.m. and is open to the public. A special Veterans Day lunch, sponsored by Palmer Bus Service, will be served immediately after the program in the Minnewaska Area High School cafeteria. Spouses are welcome to attend.  

“We have worked with local chapters of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) from Glenwood, Starbuck, Villard and Lowry in planning our program to make the event worthwhile for veterans and for students,” said Chip Rankin, superintendent of Minnewaska Area Schools. “It is our goal for our students to understand the experiences of local veterans and the valuable contributions that make our way of life possible,” Rankin added.

Elementary students will also join the program in person this year. Students are working on special performances to honor veterans. 

The west end of the main parking area will be reserved for veteran parking, it was stated.  Vets and the public should enter the building through the district office doors (Door #1).  There will be a reception area set up in the auditorium and students will be available to direct and escort veterans to the designated areas.  Veterans will march in as a group at the beginning of the program, Rankin stated.