Celebrating Our Local Heroes: Veterans Day 2026

Veterans Day 2026 brought a sense of pride, gratitude, and community connection to Xenia Community Schools, as K-8 students were invited welcome a veteran as their guest of honor — and the response was truly heartwarming!

In total, nearly 300 veterans joined students from grades K-8 in cafeterias filled with patriotic artwork, hand-written thank-you notes and banners, and bright smiles. Generations came together over lunch as students proudly welcomed family members, neighbors, and friends who served in the Armed Forces. 

Beyond sharing a meal, each school building created a unique program experience, featuring art, musical performances, and other student-led presentations to pay tribute to our guests. For the first time, Warner Middle School joined in the festivities, adding their own unique spin to the day, as a representative from each grade was selected to sing the National Anthem during that grade’s lunch time. 

We extend a special thank you to our Student Nutrition Services Department, who generously sponsored and prepared every meal for the sixth year in a row, making this afternoon possible. We are deeply grateful to all the veterans who spent part of their day with us, as well as the staff, students, and volunteers who helped bring our school communities together.

Scroll through the photos in the online photo gallery to see highlights from a memorable day honoring those who have served our country!

📷 Mrs. DeLotelle, Mrs. Garrett, Mrs. Grimsley, Mrs. Johnston, Mr. Yost