Lincoln Hosts Celebrate the U.S.A. Day

, Caldwell, held its 11th annual Celebrate the U.S.A. Day in late May, welcoming veterans and marking the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War.  

Initially the result of a grant from the Eagleton Institute at Rutgers University awarded to Lincoln School teachers Carol Macken and Christina Dunne, the school program is designed to encourage civic pride and teach students about American history and the American flag.

The program, originally funded through the grant, was such a success that the celebration did not stop after that first year, but grew into a yearly celebration, culminating in a school-wide event that includes veterans from near and far.

Students in kindergarten through fifth grade participate in the event, performing songs, reciting poems and recounting history.

“Veterans come from Caldwell, West Caldwell, Roseland, Livingston, Verona, North Caldwell and more,” said Myra Leven, current coordinator of the program and fourth grade teacher at Lincoln School. “This year, nearly 60 veterans honored us by attending the celebration. Some came from as far away as Connecticut and Massachusetts.”

Each year, children in the third and fourth grade classes write letters and mail them to one or more veterans, inviting them to be their honored guests at the school on Celebrate the U.S.A. Day.  

“This was so wonderful,” said a veteran attending this year for the first time. “My wife and I can’t believe how much the children are learning, and it was so nice to sit and talk with them. We will definitely come back next year.”

The main purpose of the program is to instill within the students pride in their country, respect for the men and women that are fighting and have fought for freedom and an understanding of America's symbols. This year, songs, poems and recitations by the students focused on the Civil War and the school’s namesake, Abraham Lincoln.

“Today as we gather to celebrate our great nation, at this time, we look back and remember a president who truly shaped our nation,” said fifth grader Cameron Cofrancesco.

“This president was Abraham Lincoln,” added fifth grader Callie Russomanno. “He served as our president during a very challenging time. A time when our nation was divided.”

More than 100 parents and siblings also attended the event that is held outdoors so that parents can attend.  

This was Lincoln School Principal James Bigsby’s first year hosting the event.

“Many parents comment that this event is their favorite,” said Principal Bigsby. “The parents mention how they are moved by the ceremony and feel a great sense of patriotic pride.”