In honor of Veterans Day, first-grade students in Michael Dragotta’s class at Minnesauke Elementary School put pencil to paper this November to create dozens of colorful cards for local veterans.

The students applied their creativity as they drew patriotic pictures and drafted letters thanking the veterans for their service. The cards were donated to the Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook University.

The project was of special significance for Mr. Dragotta, a veteran who served in Operation Southern Watch aboard the USS Nimitz.