In tributes streaming with patriotic songs, heartfelt speeches and standing ovations, students and staff in the Massapequa School District showed their gratitude for military veterans and active-duty soldiers, who later sat down with Berner Middle School students to share their experiences during “Take a Vet to School Day.”
Tributes at Alfred G. Berner Middle School, and Lockhart and McKenna elementary schools reflected on the sacrifices made by those who served and the impact their service has had on the country today. Students in red, white and blue recited historical facts about Veterans Day and sang patriotic songs. Military roll calls of honor for living and deceased veterans were conducted, followed by the playing of the funeral dirge “Taps.” At McKenna, Boy Scouts Michael Augello and Lucas Marsh folded and presented a flag to the family of local hero Army Captain Gregory Durso, and a tribute was made in his honor by sixth grader Brandy Mener. McKenna kindergartners also showed their gratitude by singing “You’re a Grand Old Flag” as they waved little American flags in their hands, and thanking the veterans for their service.
Commander Richard Begandy, of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7763 in Massapequa Park, said of veterans, “These heroes come from all walks of life but they have these things in common: courage, pride, determination, selflessness, integrity and dedication to duty to serve a cause larger than themselves. It is important to remember our forces are protecting us 24/7. Sometimes unnoticed as we enjoy the security they have provided. Our debt to these heroes cannot be repaid but our gratitude and respect should last forever.”
In addition to a formal ceremony, Berner Middle School hosted “Take a Vet to School Day,” where veterans, armed with maps, photos, medals and other memorabilia, discussed their experiences with small groups of students in the library.
Now in its ninth year, the eve nt has grown exponentially from a handful of veterans to more than 75 today. Social studies teacher Noreen Miller brought it to Berner with a group of veterans from American Legion Post 1066 in Massapequa. Among them was her father, Jack Ryan, an Army veteran who served in the Vietnam War.
“They had such a great time, and the kids were so respectful that more and more veterans wanted to participate,” Ryan said.
This year, as an added dynamic to the event, students were able to FaceTime with Army Pvt. Nicole DiGregorio, a 2008 Massapequa High School graduate stationed in Kuwait. Through a question-and-answer session, they gained a contemporary perspective of what it’s like to serve in the military today.
“Take a Vet to School Day” is a nationwide program developed by The History Channel which includes a documentary about Veterans Day as well as free resources for teachers that are available on www.veterans.com. Students research and write about Veterans Day in their classrooms before entering the program and complete follow-up assignments, including writing letters to those in active duty.
“To have face-to-face time with veterans and hear their stories is something you cannot get in a textbook,” Miller said.
In other tributes, East Lake second graders had discussions about veterans and wrote letters of gratitude to those serving in the United States military. Letters were sent to a VA hospital and the non-profit organization, “Thanks a Million,” which distributes them to U.S. troops serving all over the world.
–Submitted by Massapequa Public Schools
