Honor and Remember
There were many special guests in attendance at this year’s Veteran’s Day Observance. Students in grades K – 8, along with many parents and grandparents, gathered in the theater to honor our military who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our great nation, and to celebrate the patriotism of our active duty military. In his remarks, School Principal Mr. Hammond recognized our military service members for their “Heart of Honor, Soul of Faith, Will of Courage, and Generosity of Spirit.”
Faculty member and Navy Veteran Kara Dumont led all assembled in a prayer for our veterans. After the presentation of the American Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance, each branch of the military was called forth with an invitation for service members to stand as their branch song was played. Students carried lanterns representing our veterans and service members, as they are the light bearers of our freedom, and each branch was represented by the placement center stage of the respective uniform cover. As Middle School Music Teacher Dionne Smith played a somber piece on the cello, two students carried a single candle and rose to the stage representing our fallen military. Another group of students then read the poem “The Soldier” by Angela Goodwin.
We showed our gratitude to our active duty and veteran military in the audience by asking them to stand and be recognized. We also honored our military families in our community by asking any students or spouses to stand. It was humbling to see just how connected our community is to our nation’s military.
In closing, guests joined in singing “God Bless America” accompanied on the piano by Music Director and Teacher Chris Kypros.
Each of the students involved in our Veteran’s Day Observance have a parent who is active duty or a veteran. Thank you to Fifth Grade teacher and military spouse Brigid Barrineau for orchestrating such beautiful tribute.
