Photo of the day: American Preparatory students to spend week thanking vets

Students at American Preparatory Academy in West Valley City kicked off Veterans Day on Monday with the first of six events to honor Utah’s service members this week.

During the events, scheduled over the next several days, students at the academy’s locations in West Valley City, Draper and Salem, will thank veterans for their service through songs and speeches. Each veteran will receive a commemorative pin and handwritten thank-you letter from a student at the academy.

According to history.com, Veterans Day, which is Thursday, originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. In 1926, Congress passed a resolution for an annual observance, and Veterans Day became a national holiday in 1938.

The name of the holiday was changed from Armistice Day to Veterans Day by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954.

Students hold signs during a portion of their program during the first of six Veterans Day events at American Preparatory Academy in West Valley City on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021. The events are designed to honor veterans and teach students about the sacrifices that are required to maintain our nation’s freedoms.

Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

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Students wave small American flags during the first of six Veterans Day events at American Preparatory Academy in West Valley City on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021. The events are designed to honor veterans and teach students about the sacrifices that are required to maintain our nation’s freedoms.

Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

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Veteran Michael West salutes during the posting of the colors at the first of six Veterans Day events at American Preparatory Academy in West Valley City on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021. The events are designed to honor veterans and teach students about the sacrifices that are required to maintain our nation’s freedoms.

Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

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Student musicians play for veterans and their families during the first of six Veterans Day events at American Preparatory Academy in West Valley City on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021. The events are designed to honor veterans and teach students about the sacrifices that are required to maintain our nation’s freedoms.

Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

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Veteran Joseph Freeman smiles as American Preparatory Academy students sing during the first of six Veterans Day events at the school in West Valley City on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021. The events are designed to honor veterans and teach students about the sacrifices that are required to maintain our nation’s freedoms.

Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

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Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

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Notes from students, gifts for veterans, are pictured during the first of six Veterans Day events at American Preparatory Academy in West Valley City on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021. The events are designed to honor veterans and teach students about the sacrifices that are required to maintain our nation’s freedoms.

Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

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Students post the colors during the first of six Veterans Day events at American Preparatory Academy in West Valley City on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021. The events are designed to honor veterans and teach students about the sacrifices that are required to maintain our nation’s freedoms.

Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

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Veteran Derrell Esplin smiles at American Preparatory Academy students as they sing during the first of six Veterans Day events at the school in West Valley City on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021. The events are designed to honor veterans and teach students about the sacrifices that are required to maintain our nation’s freedoms.

Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

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Students sing to veterans during the first of six Veterans Day events at American Preparatory Academy in West Valley City on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021. The events are designed to honor veterans and teach students about the sacrifices that are required to maintain our nation’s freedoms.

Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

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Photo of the day: American Preparatory students spending the week thanking vets