AURORA | Altitude Elementary School put on a stirring celebration Thursday to honor the men and women who have served our country and community, complete with a TV star jet flyover and certified heroes.
The event capped a week filled with events at each Cherry Creek district school to honor local veterans and active service members in the community.
Altitude Elementary School had one of the largest celebrations with a parade, a flyover, first responder vehicles and even a special appearance from the U.S. Space Force.
“I grew up in the Midwest where you could find a parade every week,” said Scott Schleich, principal of Altitude school. “I wanted to make sure our kids had something like that – not only to see a parade but to be in one that’s all about honoring those who have sacrificed for us.”
The parade featured various vehicles, from sleek Corvettes driven by Air Force veterans to tricked-out military Jeeps. Schleich organized most of the event, gathering many people who made up the parade and other festivities.
“The kids just love seeing all the different cars and trucks,” Schleich said. “It adds a real sense of energy and excitement to the whole event.”
Two fifth-grade students, Ari Agarwal and Amilla Millie Brennan, shared their experiences and reflections on the veteran parade. They both said the entire school participated in the parade in some way, with different grade levels walking through the streets.
Agarwal said his favorite part was seeing the veterans riding through at the end of the parade.
“A ton of people were standing up and thanking veterans when they came through, at least in my class,” Agarwal said.
Some students even rode in cars with their veteran parents or grandparents, Agarwal said.
“My favorite part of the parade was probably seeing all the veterans that have survived through what they’ve been through, and having them smiling through this parade and being happy.”
Grand Marshal Mark Russell is a 95-year-old Korean War veteran and a retired movie and TV actor. Russell is best known for playing Detective Saperstein in the American television drama Kojak.
Russell said he enjoyed the whole experience, mainly seeing young children lining the streets and waving, thanking him and his fellow veterans and active members for their service.
“I had a fantastic time, and I started crying because of all the beautiful children and people associated with this parade,” he said. “It was so sweet.”
Both fifth-graders expressed gratitude for their school’s efforts to honor veterans.
“I am so grateful to be part of a school that does this and honors the veterans of our school and all the teachers who are veterans and some parents, the community and the veterans that are in the parade and on the outside,” Brennan said, “and all the veterans that have served that aren’t able to be here.”
Students and staff welcomed local heroes to Homestead and took photos with their branch of service flag. 
The atrium buzzed with lively conversation, while the 101st Army Country band played, adding a warm and festive touch to the celebration. 
Grandview High School paid a heartfelt tribute to veterans with a special early morning breakfast and a “Wall of Heroes” honoring the veterans in the community and school. 
Students and staff welcomed local heroes to Homestead and took photos with their branch of service flag.
The entire week was filled with festivities and education. The school district’s annual celebration left a lasting impression on the students through its creative blend of patriotic pageantry and heartfelt community spirit, educators said.
“It’s just a great day and a great message for our kids,” Schleich said. “Hopefully, that memory and that lesson stays with them, so they never forget the importance of honoring and supporting those who serve.”
This was Russell’s first time participating in a parade. However, he was previously recognized as the Boulder Veteran of the Year and was excited to say he got to sing the national anthem in front of the President.
Beyond the parade, Russell had a busy and meaningful Veterans Week. He said he served for three years in combat on the front lines in North Korea during the Korean War, initially training in Japan before deploying to the frigid conditions of Incheon.
Despite the challenges, Russell talked about the importance of his squad and the role of infantry troops, even in modern warfare. He drew parallels to the heavy losses experienced by veterans in World War II, emphasizing the continued need for ground forces to occupy territory.
Russell was able to provide a small glimpse into the personal experiences and perspectives of a local veteran, honoring their service and sacrifice while celebrating the community’s efforts to recognize and support those who have served.
“I could see the little tots lined up along the street, waving, telling me thank you for my service,” Russell said. “I’d do it again if I could bring joy to people.”
The school district puts the events on annually at each school to allow the community to honor and celebrate their hometown heroes.