A Long Island veteran celebrating her 104th birthday will have the well wishes of dozens of students at Martin Avenue Elementary School. They recently made birthday cards for Loretta Weiss, who served in the U.S. Army during World War II, as well as the Korean and Vietnam conflicts.

Fourth grade teacher Janine Steinert, whose students made cards on May 18, explained that the idea came from the grandfather of Martin Avenue fifth grader Max Struck. Max’s grandfather volunteers at the veterans home where Ms. Weiss lives, and would be delivering her the cards.

Before creating the cards, students heard about Ms. Weiss’ service in the Army. She rose to first class sergeant and was a fierce advocate for equal rights for women in the armed forces. Students also learned about the different branches of the military and discussed what it means to be brave and courageous.

This was the second year that Martin Avenue students made cards for Ms. Weiss. On red and blue construction paper, students wrote birthday wishes as well as messages of gratitude for her service. Many of the cards included patriotic symbols.

Date Added: 5/30/2023