In honor of Veterans Day, students across the Schuylerville Central School District are taking part in a meaningful initiative to recognize and thank those who have served our country. The districtwide effort, involving students in grades K-12, will bring heartfelt messages of appreciation to veterans participating in an upcoming Leatherstocking Honor Flight. The initiative was inspired by Schuylerville’s Transportation Supervisor, Chuck Barss, who recently had the honor of accompanying his father, a Vietnam War veteran who was drafted in 1968, on a Leatherstocking Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., Oct. 10–11.
The Honor Flight program provides veterans with an opportunity to visit the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice. Departing from Albany International Airport, veterans travel to Washington, D.C., where they visit the World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. While the experience is filled with meaningful moments, Barss said one tradition in particular left a lasting impression: “mail call.”
During the return flight, each veteran receives a collection of letters from family, friends, and community members expressing their gratitude, love, and appreciation. The tradition recalls a time when letters were among the only ways service members could communicate with loved ones back home.
“My father and all the veterans on the Honor Flight were so surprised at the mail they received,” said Barss. “I overheard one veteran say, ‘I have never received so much mail before. I even have mail from people I don’t even know!’ Seeing their reaction was truly something special.”
Inspired by the experience, Barss brought the idea back to Schuylerville, coordinating with building principals for students to write letters and cards that will be included in mail call during the next Honor Flight, scheduled for April 2027.
For many students, the opportunity carries a special connection to their own families.
“My great-grandpa served, so it’s special to be able to thank the ones who helped us so much,” said middle school student Sandra Price.
“My dad was in the Army, so I am proud to do this for veterans in our country,” added middle school student Annabelle Medick.
Others reflected on the freedoms and opportunities made possible through the service of generations of veterans.
“I’m so proud to live in a country that has a voice,” said middle school student Jethro Williams.
“This is something that is universal,” added high school student Finn Connelly. “It’s a wonderful day that we can all come together and thank the people that died for us and thank the people who fought for us.”