Students, staff honor visiting veterans
District students and staff applauded military veterans in assemblies held in campus buildings Nov. 12 to celebrate Veterans Day.
“It means I get to text my family members who are veterans and I like to show respect to them for what they’ve done,” said high school senior Lucas Valleley of Veterans Day. “It’s really cool to see everyone come together to do this.”
About a dozen veterans participated in the assemblies held in both buildings. They started their day at Webutuck Elementary School where they enjoyed a breakfast prepared and served by the Webutuck PTA and Webutuck Service Club. Veterans were treated to eggs, sausage, bacon, pancakes, bagels, mini muffins and coffee rolls, coffee and juice.
“Take pride in your country,” said Richard Butler, U.S. Marine Corp. veteran and member of Harlem Valley VFW Post 5444. “We’re living in the greatest nation God put on Earth; I sincerely believe that.
“We’re going to be 250 years old next year. Look at what we’ve done as a nation. We’ve had our growing pains, but we’re getting through it.”
Following breakfast, the veterans marched into the elementary school gymnasium where an assembly was held with students and staff.
“I hope our students come away with a deep appreciation for the sacrifices veterans have made to protect our freedoms,” said WES Principal Amanda Coppola. “Meeting veterans in person helps our children connect history and citizenship to real people and real stories. I also hope they learn the importance of respect,
gratitude, and service to others, values we strive to nurture in all our students at WES.”
Peter Cipriano, a U.S. Army veteran and father of second grade teacher Sydney Cipriano, talked about what the colors of the flag mean and had veterans step forward when their armed forces were mentioned.
“It’s a very positive message, a celebration that veterans span over generations,” he said. “We have veterans here who are in their 30s and 40s, and I think our oldest veteran here is 89 years old. It spans generations in families and in the community.”
Many of the veterans walked across the street to the intermediate and high schools where they were greeted by additional veterans. Led by a student color guard and Wildcat the mascot, they marched into the auditorium for an assembly with intermediate and high school students and staff.
“It’s another way for us to bring the community into the building to recognize and applaud those who have served for us, but also give them a chance to see what we have going on here,” said Matt Pascale, high school principal.
Aaron Howard, EBIS/WHS teacher and U.S. Marine Corp veteran, delivered a speech as well as EBIS Principal Jennifer Hengen and Pascale. Each veteran was asked to stand and be recognized. The high school band performed the theme music for each of the six armed forces.
Following the assembly, the veterans checked out a handmade red, white and blue mural in the hallway that featured cards with Webutuck graduates who served as well as cards written by students and staff recognizing a veteran from their family.
“I hope they understand where the country is and they appreciate what they’ve got,” said Tod Humerston, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and member of Harlem Valley VFW Post 5444.