On Nov. 7, students in Mrs. Kalter’s fifth grade class at Northside Elementary School participated in a special program, “A Salute to Our Veterans,” honoring members of the United States Armed Forces who have fought for our country. In preparation for the event, the Farmingdale Fire Department helped hang a flag from the back wall of the stage.
To kick off the program, students marched into the auditorium, clad in red T-shirts and blue jeans, as one student, Shannon Michael, provided the drum beat. Students sang several patriotic songs interspersed with narration, one of which was introduced by Isabella Guerrera on flute.
After the performance, USMC veteran Al Anderson—a Marine who served in the Vietnam War and is the husband of Northside Assistant Principal Diane Anderson—shared his experiences with the audience, followed by a short video clip that featured two WWII veterans who had visited the class for a Q&A session. Several letters to veterans were also shown during a Power Point presentation created by the students.
The program ended with a somber finale, featuring a performance of “Taps” by trumpeters Catherine Cassidy and Jason Freuman.
—Submitted by Northside Music Director Judy Feuss
