Carson City Schools Honor Veterans on Veterans Day

Carson Middle School's 25th annual service and Fritsch Elementary's tribute recognized local servicemembers and law enforcement veterans.

Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Military

Plain wooden stakes stand in dry high-desert grass before a low school building, with a folded American flag leaning against one stake and distant mountains beyond. — Carson City schools honored local servicemembers and veterans on Tuesday, including Sheriff's Deputy Derrick Kepler, who served 17 years and deployed to Iraq in 2003. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The Carson City School District observed Veterans Day on Tuesday, with Carson Middle School holding its 25th annual service featuring student songs and veteran stakes created by eighth-graders. Fritsch Elementary School invited Carson City Sheriff's Deputy Derrick Kepler to honor his 17 years of service.

Why it matters

The events recognize servicemembers and veterans within the Carson City community, including those who now serve in local law enforcement and schools. The observances bring current students into direct contact with the personal experiences of people who have served.

The 25th annual Carson Middle School service marked a quarter-century tradition, while Deputy Derrick Kepler's 17 years of combined Marine and law enforcement service were highlighted. Attendance figures and any follow-up plans for the observances were not provided.

The players

Carson City School District

The public school district serving Carson City, Nevada, which hosted the Veterans Day observances across its schools.

Carson City Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency in Carson City, Nevada, that employs Deputy Derrick Kepler as a school resource officer.

The details

Carson Middle School students performed songs including "Marine's Hymn" and "America the Beautiful," and Carson High School's Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps color guard participated. Eighth-graders created veteran stakes that staff and students examined after the concert, and Fritsch Elementary honored Kepler, a school resource officer who deployed to Iraq in 2003.

September 11, 2001: Kepler decided to enlist in the military after the attacks.
June 2002: Kepler graduated high school and was sent to boot camp.
Spring 2003: Kepler deployed to Iraq.
Tuesday, November 11, 2026: Carson City schools held Veterans Day observances.

Seasonal Patterns

Veterans Day observances trace back to the federal Armistice Day legislation of 1938, which set November 11 as a national day of remembrance. Schools across the country continue to mark the date with student-led programs that connect younger generations to veterans' service.

Residents who want to honor local veterans can attend community Veterans Day events hosted by Carson City schools and similar institutions in the area. Families can also talk with students and veterans about service experiences the school observances highlighted.

The takeaway

Local schools provide a direct way for students to learn from veterans and law enforcement officers who have served. Attending or supporting these observances builds community connections that extend beyond a single day each November.