Honoring Heros

Hauppauge Elementary Schools were pleased to host numerous activities to honor the men and women in the United States armed forces who bravely serve our country both here and abroad.

Recently re-elected Congressman Lee Zeldin provided the keynote address at Forest Brook Elementary School’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony, which honored approximately 35 service men and women. The Congressman himself served as a member of the United States Army and works tirelessly to protect the rights of veterans. The ceremony featured patriotic songs performed by Forest Brook students as well as student-read essays on “What Veterans Day Means to Me.” A very special highlight of the ceremony featured a video presentation from the mother of 2nd grade student Dylan Alexander who currently is serving in the United States Navy and is deployed in the Persian Gulf. “It’s important to remember that time and again, ordinary people have served our Nation in extraordinary ways so that all Americans can pursue the happiness our Founding Fathers envisioned,” stated Forest Brook Principal Kristen Reingold. “Thank you to the veterans who joined us [at Forest Brook] today. Your willingness to sacrifice for our country and to protect our freedoms have earned you our lasting gratitude.”

Bretton Woods Elementary School's annual Veterans Day Assembly paid tribute to 55 veterans – all of whom are related to students or staff members of the school. The veterans were warmly greeted initially by the PTA as they walked up the flag lined entrance to the building. Veteran Ronald Barz spoke to the Bretton Woods students about his service, pride and the sacrifices that men and women in the armed forces make to protect our freedoms as Americans. Several 5th grade students gave heartwarming speeches about what the veterans mean to them. All the children sang different patriotic songs, which accompanied a video of Bretton Woods’ loved ones who have previously, or who currently are, serving in the U.S. Military. According to Bretton Woods Principal George Gagliardi, “it was a very inspirational and moving day for all.”

Pines Elementary School also held a school-wide celebration for Veterans Day. Earlier last week, every student "planted" an American flag in the front of the school and in the courtyard to beautify the grounds in honor of the school’s annual Veterans Day celebration. Pines Elementary School Principal Dr. Claudine DiMuzio and U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Doug Ruiz – who did a tour in Beirut, Lebanon and currently serves as the director of housing at the United Veterans Beacon House – spoke to the students about the meaning of Veterans’ Day and the courage demonstrated by the Americans who fought for our nation. Dr. DiMuzio encouraged students to learn from our veterans when she spoke about encouraging connections with past generations. “Boys and girls, if you have a relationship with a special veteran in your life, I urge you to spend time listening to their stories, to understand why we value our veterans so dearly and why we count on men and women like them, from all corners of our nation, to maintain our freedoms and our opportunities as citizens of this great country,” she stated.

Pines students from each grade-level also sang patriotic songs to the guest veterans and each honored guest was presented with a rose from the Pines PTA. The PTA president also presented a check for $230 to the United Veterans Beacon House in Bay Shore, which came from Pines school community donations. “We are tremendously proud of the way our community came together to support our veterans who have worked tirelessly for our rights and freedoms,” said Dr. DiMuzio.

Photos by Frank Bayer.