Sudbury Schools Organize Veterans Day Ceremonies

SUDBURY, MA — Two Sudbury schools will hold Veterans Day ceremonies this week ahead of the Nov. 11 holiday. The ceremonies will honor living local vets, and Sudbury native Scott Milley, an Army Ranger killed in Afghanistan in 2010.

Here's more from a Sudbury Public Schools press release:

Superintendent Brad Crozier is pleased to announce that students and staff at both Noyes Elementary and Curtis Middle School will welcome those who have served in America's armed forces for their Veterans Day celebrations next week.

Curtis will honor veterans on Friday, Nov. 8, at its annual Veterans Day Assembly, which serves as an opportunity to both honor community members who have served and give students a better understanding of the sacrifices soldiers make fulfilling their duties.

READ: 2019 Veterans Day Events In The Sudbury Area

"We want our students to understand that it's easy to take for granted that we live in a country where we are free and where we can enjoy our friends, families and all of the opportunities we've been provided," Curtis Principal Jeff Mela said. "It’s important to take time to reflect on the sacrifices that our veterans have made for all of us. We are thrilled to offer an assembly to say thank you to the veterans for their service and dedication to our country."

At the Curtis assembly, the school's approximately 1,000 students will remain on their feet in the gym while veterans are escorted in by family members and selected students. Then, students will recite the pledge of allegiance before the chorus sings the Star Spangled Banner.

This year's honored guest is retired Massachusetts Army National Guard Brigadier General Paul Landry, whose son and daughter — both seventh graders — attend Curtis. Following the assembly, students will have an opportunity to shake hands with veterans individually on their way back to their classes.

“The Veterans Day Assembly is a wonderful opportunity to honor families and friends of Curtis Middle School, and the Sudbury community, for their service to our country," Curtis Assistant Principal Bill Grubb said. "It provides students with a chance to make a real-life, meaningful connection to what Veterans Day is truly all about.”

On Wednesday, Nov. 6, Noyes Elementary will host its 10th annual Veterans Day Celebration, welcoming veterans from throughout the community to attend. Students will read essays and poems about veterans' service to the nation and hear from veterans in attendance who will share stories about their time in the armed forces.

Noyes students will also sing patriotic songs and listen to a presentation about the upcoming Warriors 4 Warriors hockey game in honor of the late Army Ranger Scott Milley, a Sudbury native who was killed in action in Afghanistan.

"We see this as both an honor to our veterans and a duty to teach our children about the importance of respect and thankfulness," Noyes Assistant Principal Kristin Moffat said.

The Noyes celebration will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 2:15 p.m. while the Curtis assembly will be held on Friday, Nov. 8, at 8:45 a.m.

"Both of these celebrations are a remarkable way for our students to connect with the veterans in our community and connect with them in a tangible and lasting way," Crozier said. "I'm so grateful to the staff at both schools who make these events possible every year, bringing the importance of Veterans Day to life before our students' eyes."