VALENTINE, Neb. - Veterans Day - it’s a holiday Valentine Elementary students look forward to all year long, not because they have a day off from school, but because they host one of their biggest concerts of the year.

“When I said that we’re going to move on to Christmas, they said, ‘Can we do more Veterans Day songs?’ They’re very excited about it,” said Valentine Elementary music teacher Lisa Eide. “My father was a WWII vet, and both of my brothers were in the military - one in the Navy, one in the Army - and it holds a very special place in my heart."

For some students, the holiday hits especially close to home.

“I’m Little Miss Poppy. Laramie is Little Miss Poppy in Waiting,” said Maggie Arnold.

Maggie and Laramie Foster hold these titles because of family members who have served. Maggie’s dad, First Sergeant Brad Arnold, has been in the National Guard since 2005.

“I feel goofy and that I don’t deserve any recognition. Veterans Day has always been weird for me because I’m still a kid in my mind. Veterans Day is for the old boys with the caps who drink coffee, not me. It’s hard to take appreciation from people. You always look at the guys to your left and right, and think of them as the people who have earned it and deserve it,” said Brad Arnold.

Arnold said that the hardest part of his service is being away from family.

“He’s been gone lots. One time he was gone for a year,” said Maggie.

Sacrifices that were not only honored today, but also gave students a personal lesson on what is means to serve our country.

“He’s protecting us—not just my family, but the whole country,” said Maggie.

A powerful reminder from young voices that our veterans’ sacrifices protect our future.