Veterans' Day ceremony 7 p.m. Tuesday at Apple Creek Elementary.

The ceremony, now in it's fifth year, was started by Carol Warner, music teacher at Apple Creek, and is sponsored by the Apple Creek PTA.

Warner was named the VFW Teacher of the Year last year for her "citizenship and patriotism." She has been nominated again this year.

Veterans will be recognized and thanked for their service. Apple Creek Principal Shelley McMillin will read the names, a music program will be presented and students will read essays they have written.

The OU ROTC Honor Guard will post and retire the colors and will present a flag folding ceremony, Sandra Rogers, committee chair, said.

The atmosphere during the "whole ceremony is moving," Rogers said.

"Students have already written letters to the soldiers," she said.

The VFW, American Legion, Blue Star Mothers and the school's Boy Scout troop also will participate.

"It grows every year and new groups want to be involved," Rogers said.

The group also is organizing gift baskets to give to Apple Creek students who have parents deployed. Donations of gift cards, money or other donations as asked.

"We already have restaurants gift cards, bowling cards, skating , different things to entertain the students while their parents are away.

Donations may be dropped off at the school or call Rogers at 476-8448. Rogers said she would like to have them by Friday or Saturday but will accept them Monday.