Maryvale Intermediate honors veterans during 21st Veterans’ Breakfast

CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. (WIVB) — Maryvale Intermediate students had the chance to read the names of their loved ones who are our nation’s heroes, and share gratitude for them, as a community.

“It really is a great opportunity for a teachable moment for these students, to understand, yes we’re in school, but there’s a reason why were here. We have brave men and women who are fighting for us,” said Leigh Przepioria, a special education teacher at the school.

It’s been a tradition for 21 years to hold a Veterans’ Breakfast to honor the loved ones of their students who served our country.

“I really think we get so caught up in the other things that are happening in the world, that we forget that these men and women have made the true sacrifice and yes, it’s nice to acknowledge them this weekend, and on Monday, but absolutely every single day,” said Przepioria.

It’s a tradition that demonstrates how far of an impact, thanking veterans for their service can truly make.

“We never did it for the honor, we just did it because it was something we had to do,” said Charles Krathaus, a veteran with the US Navy & Army National Guard, who was honored by his granddaughter Gianna. “It’s nice to be honored, I’m from the Vietnam era, when you got off the plane, they used to throw tomatoes at you and eggs at us, so it’s a big difference now.”

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Hope Winter is a reporter and multimedia journalist who has been part of the News 4 team since 2021. See more of her work here.

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