On a Veterans Day that finds us fighting two wars, art students at Wilder Elementary School have found a way to express appreciation to veterans artistically.

Art teacher Jill Day's art club students have crafted more than 100 cards of thanks to be presented to veterans at the annual Veterans Day reception at the school at 4300 W. Ponds Circle.

The annual reception has been held more than 10 years at the school, in the Littleton Public Schools district, featuring past and current veterans, parents of veterans, and community groups and students.

Day said the art club project was directed at "service learning," with student applying things they learn to real-life needs in their community.

In the past, students have paired with Project Angelheart by decorating meal bags and have made cards for nursing home residents, as well as veterans.

"The kids have really been excited about doing things for other people," she said.
"I like giving back to the community," Day said, adding that her students enjoy living in a well-to-do community.

"It makes me feel good to know they're giving back and they're learning how good it can make them feel," she said.

Day said she helps the third- through fifth-graders by spelling "veterans" and other difficult words on the board, but then the students take over, using construction paper, reproducible American symbols, stickers, glitter pens, lacquers, markers - and their imaginations.

Some card samples:

"Happy Veterans Day - Thank you for serving our country - you're one of our most honorable heroes."

"Have a super amazing Veterans Day - here's to our country's heroes like you."

One, with a pop-up star, waxed philosophical: "Veterans make our stars shine bright," it said, and added, "In life there are mean people, nice people, cruel people and then there's the best people - veterans."

Some even wrote poetry: "Some stripes are bright red, around the stars is blue - I hope the stars shine bright on you."

Among the art students are third-graders Alexandra (Lexie) and Harrison Rice - twins, whose dad, State Rep. Joe Rice is just back from his fourth tour of duty in Iraq with the Army Reserve.

During their artwork, the kids were asked how they'll greet dad.

"We'll probably have our puppy jump on him," Harrison said.

"We'll give him a big hug," added Lexie.

As for the best part of having dad home again, Harrison answered simply, "Just getting to see him every day."

Daniel Smith: 303-954-2671 or smithd@yourhub.com