MADISON – As Veterans Day approaches on Nov. 11, sixth-graders at Horizon Elementary School are doing their part to show respect with the Boots and Breakfast event.

Open to all sixth-grade military families, Boots and Breakfast will be held on Nov. 8 at 7 a.m. in Horizon’s Media Center. Teachers and students have decorated the library with real and wooden cutout pumpkins, chrysanthemums, scarecrows and autumn foliage.

In this display, bright signs state, “Thank You, Veterans.” Students and teachers have posted photographs of the veterans in their own families from all military branches.

Sixth-grade teacher and event coordinator Amara Alexander coined the phrase, “Boots and Breakfast.” “With Amara Alexander’s family being in the military, she wanted to create a ‘catchy’ phrase that honored veterans yet included families to honor their loved ones,” school counselor Jennifer Walker said.

“With Boots and Breakfast, students honor their families, friends and/or community leaders that have served our country,” Alexander said. “As a ‘Leader in Me’ school, Horizon empowers students to lead in service, and this breakfast is another opportunity for Horizon students to lead.”

Boots and Breakfast will include a brief, student-led program. Students will greet their honored guests, show a video presentation, sing and serve breakfast. The breakfast buffet will offer Chick-fil-A sandwiches, fruit, muffins, yogurt, pastries, coffee and juice.

For the video, each student will showcase a veteran who is special to him or her. Horizon teachers have invited Central Office staff and Mayor Paul Finley.

“During the breakfast, students will interface with their families and other military heroes,” Alexander said.

“Boots and Breakfast benefits everyone in the community,” Alexander said. “Veterans Day is a time when we can honor those that have served or are currently serving in the Armed Forces.”