The many Veterans Day programs at Effingham County schools included Marlow Elementary students presenting gifts to local service men and women.

The students made baskets in art class and placed hand-written thank-you notes inside them. Each veteran in attendance was handed a basket by a student, in a ceremony around the flagpole in front of the school.

Principal Wallace Blackstock explained the importance of Veterans Day to his young students, telling them the superheroes they see in movies are only make-believe. However, he said, the veterans standing before them are genuine heroes.

“When you’re looking for a hero, look right here,” Blackstock said, pointing to the veterans lined up in front of the students.

Since Effingham County schools were closed on Veterans Day, all the school programs were held on the Friday prior to it. But Blackstock urged the students to treat Nov. 11 as much more than just a holiday.

“It’s a day to remember those who gave us the freedoms we have,” he said.