High School Students Honor Veterans

If veterans are best honored by having those they fought for understand their military experience and the special calling it takes to serve, then the band, chorus and students assembled in the Shay Auditorium at the Thursday afternoon fulfilled that ideal.

The combined talents of the band and chorus came together presenting a selection of songs, patriotic marches, a video of interviews with veterans and short readings.

Starting with the Pledge of Allegiance and the playing of the Star Spangled Banner students delivered performances that stirred the patriotic spirit and reflected on themes of sacrifice and remembrance.

Head Drum Major and Senior Colleen Finnegan conducted the band in playing a number of familiar and well-executed marches.   

Band Director Eric Forman played trombone as well as planning the band's contribution to the event.

"It's all about keeping the memory of what veterans have done for us alive," said Forman. "We need to pass it on to our kids so they'll know what it's all about, what has been fought and won."

Music Director Allison Kane struck a theme in the songs the chorus sang alluding to what has been sacrificed and lost. Brittany Leonard on guitar accompanied Colleen McDonnell and Chris McAvery singing Dust in the Wind.

The chorus sang moving renditions of the popular song Fields of Gold as well as Justice, Truth and Peace and Keep the Home Fires Burning.  

Members of the band and chorus (Bryce Raymond, Drew de Vos, Kristina Fusco, Leanne McNall, Katherine Lasdin and Taylor Aspeslagh) took turns stepping forward and reading passages.

Katherine Lasdin introduced a video provided by the Council on Aging. The documentary showed interviews with World War II vets and veterans of other wars. 

Some spoke of painful memories such as the shock of losing friends they served with. Others told of the effect their military deployments had on their parents waiting for news back home. One woman said she signed up for service at 17 while she was still in high school. She left for active duty in the Persian Gulf shortly after enlisting.

Forman and student Chris Vozzella effectively played a mournful echo taps followed with a moment of silence.

Senior Janelle Yull recited a short passage before the chorus and band joined in the final song, God Bless America.