Despite legislation mandating public schools to close on Veterans Day, many private schools remain open. But that hasn't stopped one local girl from taking the day off.

Danielle Kelly has spent the last three Veterans Days on the Capitol grounds honoring those who have served.

Typically, she just visits the memorial, but this year she decided to bring her two younger siblings to the state's Veterans Day ceremonyregardless of the fact she is to be in class. She is a student at the University of Mary. Danielle told her professors ahead of time about her plans for Veterans Day. She says they fully support her decision.

(Danielle Kelly/University of Mary Senior)"All sorts of people in my family have been in the military. And for me, it was very important just because it was always something that I grew up with. You know we were always very patriotic family. We always flew flags outside and so for me, those people were always very important in my life and I knew what they had done for me and my country. So I always wanted give them that respect and that honor." watch the video | save this article / add to your favorites list