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Seventh graders from South County Middle School welcomed two Honor Flights at the World War II Memorial on June 3, offering veterans handmade gifts, personal messages and a reception that moved several attendees to tears.

The visit marked the eighth consecutive year that English teacher Lisa Reaves and retired history teacher Cindy Downing have led the service project. It also reflected the students’ annual team theme, “Make that Change,” by connecting classroom lessons with acts of gratitude.

Students first greeted veterans arriving on the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight from Illinois. They carried handmade posters and distributed interactive cards containing personal notes and QR codes linked to recorded thank-you messages, allowing recipients to hear from the students again after returning home.

Later, veterans traveling with the Flag City Honor Flight from Ohio received cards, signs and hand-tied patriotic fleece blankets. Students made 120 blankets for the occasion.

Reaves said the project helps students recognize their ability to contribute to society while building confidence and practical interpersonal skills.

For Larry Wilt, who was drafted and served two years in Vietnam, the students’ welcome carried special meaning. He learned about Honor Flight through his local newspaper and waited more than a year and a half before being selected.

Wilt had previously visited the World War II Memorial alone, but said returning with dozens of fellow veterans made the experience better. Through tears, he explained that he did not feel recognized when he came home from Vietnam and called the students’ greeting the greatest reception he could have hoped for.

Hana, the South County student paired with Wilt, described connecting with older generations as rewarding and said the students felt they were giving something back to those who defended their freedom.

Donald Wiles, who served in the Army from 1961 to 1965, said the veterans were “treated like kings.” He was especially encouraged to see young people learning what freedom means and understanding that it comes at a cost.

The emotional impact continued after the trip. The next day, a Vietnam veteran named Dana emailed Reaves to thank the students. He wrote that veterans returning from Vietnam had received no welcome and said the students accomplished more during their brief visit than they might realize.

“They healed many broken hearts yesterday, and I was one of them,” Dana wrote.

Community support helped make the annual project possible. A local Wegmans donated 100 reusable bags to transport the blankets, while a grant from Educate Fairfax provided additional assistance.

By meeting veterans face to face, the students practiced empathy, civic responsibility and ethical citizenship beyond the classroom—one card, blanket and handshake at a time.