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SEP.24, 2025— A Pal-Mac Middle School tradition continued this past weekend, and it resulted in some great connections!

A group of students in Mrs. Sousa's classes volunteered their Sunday to greet a group of veterans at the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport.

The veterans were returning home from the Honor Flight program's Mission 91. The program flies United States military veterans to Washington, D.C., to see the memorials of the respective war(s) they fought in.

In the week leading up to the arrival, students wrote several personalized letters to these veterans, which the group opened on their flight during "mail call."

Students stood along the terminal with welcoming signs, American flags, and posters bearing the name of a veteran they had written letters to. They then each had a chance to put a face to the name as they shared conversations with the veterans.

In addition to creating a new connection between students and veterans, Sousa explained that the project also gives classes a better understanding of what veterans experienced both during and after their service. During a letter-writing session, she brought attention to the negative reception veterans received following the Vietnam War.

"When these [Vietnam] veterans get off that airplane and see us there laughing, cheering, and thanking them for their service, it's like the welcome home they never had," Sousa said.

Mrs.Sousa began this tradition back in 2016. Among those in attendance was High School Band Director Emily Herrmann, who was performing alongside the Fairport Fire Department Band.

A full photo gallery can be found by clicking here!