Massapequa Students Pay Tribute To Veterans

MASSAPEQUA, NY - Massapequa students showed their respect for the men and women who have served the United States during Veterans Day programs at McKenna and Lockhart elementary schools.

On Nov. 8, students at McKenna read “Veterans: Heroes in Our Neighborhood,” a book by former Massapequa teacher Valerie Pfundstein.

They then wrote their own stories about veteran heroes in their lives. A group of more than a dozen fifth-graders shared their pieces in a Veterans Day Reader’s Theater in the Senior Center.

Instead of a traditional ceremony, McKenna hosted a veteran’s breakfast with students from the school inviting parents, grandparents and other relatives who have served their nation. In addition to the readings and words of thanks from administrators and teachers, kindergartners performed “You’re A Grand Old Flag.”

Members of local veteran’s organizations attended Lockhart’s ceremony on Nov. 9.

Children spoke about the history of Veterans Day. Principal Stephen Scarallo said the day served a dual purpose in honoring veterans while also inspiring others to serve their communities through acts of generosity and charity.

Scarallo and Assistant Principal Ryan Aliperti read a veteran’s roll call of names of local residents who have served in the military.

Students performed patriotic tunes, and a member of the Nassau County Police Department played taps.

McKenna Elementary School students invited veterans from their families in for a breakfast on Nov. 8.

Fifth-graders at Lockhart Elementary School dressed in patriotic attire and paid tribute to veterans through song.

Kindergartners at McKenna Elementary School sang “You’re a Grand Old Flag” as their way of honoring veterans.

Main photo: Lockhart Elementary School honored local veterans during a special ceremony on Nov. 9.

Photos courtesy of Massapequa School District