Belfast, N.Y. (WKBW) - Fourth grade students in Belfast, in Allegany County, came into school Friday morning to find a surprise on their door-- one the teacher and administrators weren't even expecting.
Mrs. Bainbridge's fourth grade class at Belfast Central School decorated their classroom door to honor veterans. The door shows the silhouette of a service member against a red background, with blue and white stars.
The classroom's patriotism and show of support for those who serve apparently touched one local veteran. Friday morning, the class discovered a military patch taped to the decoration. It was signed in pen "Staff Sergeant Joseph Allen Military Intelligence 4th Infantry Division."
A parent of one of the students in the class notified 7 Eyewitness News of the surprise on Facebook, saying "The children were pretty excited over this along with our little community." She also said, "We have a very small town but our pride is huge."
7 Eyewitness News reached out to Belfast Central School, and administrators told us this was a surprise to them, too. They say it's unclear how Staff Sergeant Allen found out about the display, but that he may work for a company doing security work at the school.
No matter how Staff Sergeant Allen learned about the decoration, it serves as a reminder this Veterans Day-- we never know just how much our support can mean to veterans.