Special ceremony honors those who serve our country
By Suzanne Misciagna, Correspondent, The Times
Hillendale Elementary School students honors Veterans Day with special ceremony including music, essays and comments from local veterans and elected officials.
PENNSBURY – Students at Hillendale Elementary School in the Unionville Chadds-Ford School District gathered together on a cool, crisp morning for a special ceremony in honor of Veterans Day.
Hillendale students and their families were invited to honor veterans, alive and deceased, who have sacrificed their lives for service to our country.
The Veterans Day assembly began outside with fifth grade students raising the American flag followed by all students reciting the pledge of allegiance.
Following the flag ceremony, Hillendale staff, students, and their family members gathered inside to celebrate and reflect on the sacrifices veterans make in keeping our country safe.
Fifth grade students sung the National Anthem and created a slideshow of how veterans serve our country. Other students wrote essays describing what being a veteran means to them and how they each honor veterans in their own, special way.
Hillendale Elementary fifth grader, Lizzie Dougherty, reads an essay honoring veterans during a special assembly last week.
According to fifth grader, Lizzie Dougherty, “I honor veterans by saying the pledge of allegiance and by listening to a veteran share his story.”
Many of the students had a personal connection with a veteran – such as a parent or grandparent who served our country or a friend who gave service to our nation. Students showed their recognition for these individuals as their names were read aloud.
According to fellow veteran and Congressman Joe Pitts, who attended the celebration, “Because of the brave Americans who serve us, we live in freedom.”
Representative Chris Ross agreed. “Veteran’s Day is about ordinary people – our neighbor, family member or our friend who is giving service to our country,” he said. “Talk to those who serve in the military, find out what our nation is really all about, and try to understand the sacrifices they made.”
Hillendale students continue to honor veterans through the American Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes Program. Students created greeting cards and messages of cheer to be sent to veterans, military families, and active-duty service members in hospitals and military installations around the world.
Hillendale is just one of many schools in the Unionville Chadds-Ford School district recognizing veterans on this special day.
