Joshua Cowell Elementary School held its first-ever Veterans Day event last Friday.

Included in the spirited school parade were students of Manteca Unified’s kindergarten- through- eighth-grade campus carrying photos of their loved ones, waving flags, and holding hands with family members who served in the armed forces.

“Students invited military family members to join in the parade,” said MUSD officials.

The Joshua Cowell Veterans Day event was inspired by Community Club President Alex Montoya, whose husband, Arthur, served in the U.S. Air Force.

Montoya noted that many families at the school have military connections and this event would be “a great way to show appreciation and have fun together.”

Special guest was MUSD Coordinator of Expanded Learning Oscar Munguia, who is also an Army vet.

“I felt humbled and appreciated to be invited by my niece to participate – it was awesome to see Joshua School come together to celebrate the veterans in their community,” he said.