Veterans Day is Saturday, and the official holiday is today, but that didn’t stop students from the Queen Creek Unified School District from holding events throughout the week to honor those who have served their country.

QCUSD is dedicated to educating students about the history of the United States and the and sacrifices made by military servicemen and women, according to a press release from the district. QCUSD furthers this education through the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program offered to students at Queen Creek High School.

“Students involved in this program learn the essential skills and values needed to serve in the military, including positive leadership, effective communication, service to the community and personal responsibility,” the release stated.

In observance of Veterans Day, during the second week of November QCUSD demonstrated its appreciation for veterans by taking time to celebrate and give thanks through ceremonies, assemblies and parades.

Here’s what QCUSD schools did to honor veterans this year:

Desert Mountain Elementary: Held an outdoor  school-wide assembly. A guest speaker opened the event, which was followed by a performance by the school band and choir.

Frances Brandon-Pickett Elementary: Hosted a school-wide morning assembly in the gym with a choir performance. Student council presented the six branches of the military with a slide show.

Faith Mather Sossaman Elementary: Held a school-wide assembly inside its gym. A video performance by the fourth-grade class was shared with all classrooms and families.

Gateway Polytechnic Academy: Fourth graders put on a concert in the gym followed by a slideshow honoring veterans.

Jack Barnes Elementary: Held an assembly featuring a first-grade concert and a slideshow honoring veterans.

Queen Creek Elementary: Held a school-wide Veterans Day assembly with each grade level singing a song from each military branch. The assembly also featured a guest speaker.

Silver Valley Elementary: Hosted a breakfast for veterans, followed by a Veterans Day assembly with a performance by the fourth grade that featured JROTC, bagpipes, and a drummer.

Katherine Mecham Barney Elementary: Held a reception for veterans following a school-wide assembly in the gym which featured music performances from students.

Schnepf Elementary: Hosted a school-wide assembly featuring fourth graders in a special performance.

Queen Creek Junior High School: Invited veterans in the community to their annual Veterans Day ceremony.

Newell Barney High School: Held its annual Veterans Day ceremony honoring military service members in the community.

Eastmark High School: Held a Military Appreciation Night, as well as a Veterans Day breakfast to give thanks.

Queen Creek High School: Host the annual Veterans Day parade featuring the JROTC Color Guard and local public safety agencies.

Crismon High School: Hosted a breakfast for veterans with a performance from the school band.