Hampton Bays Elementary School Students Honor Local Heroes

Photo courtesy of Hampton Bays School District

Hampton Bays Elementary School fourth-graders honored 26 local heroes on Friday, Nov. 7 in recognition of Veterans Day.

Held as part of the school district’s ongoing effort to bring history to life, the ceremony allowed students to meet and honor local veterans who fought to preserve freedom..

During the last three years, the district has honored a local veteran every month by flying a flag in his or her honor.

Superintendent Lars Clemensen said this month the district wanted to take a step back and reflect on the veterans who have most impacted students by sharing their biographies.

“We have learned so much from them over the past three years – about their service, their sacrifices and their patriotism,” Clemensen said.

In attendance at the ceremony were Suffolk County Legislator Jay Schneiderman, Southampton Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst, Councilman Brad Bender and Highway Superintendent Alex Gregor, who all thanked the veterans for their service.

Students extended their gratitude by reading poems about Veterans Day and singing the songs of the Armed Forces’ five branches.

Following the ceremony, attendees enjoyed a lunch prepared by parent volunteers. Veterans dined at tables decorated in red, white and blue, complete with thank-you placemats drawn by the students.

The honored veterans included: Arma E. “Ham” Andon, Charley Bivona, Charles Bortzfield, James Joseph Black, Jack Capone, Anthony Dagostino, Walter Flaherty, Vincent Handal, George Johnston, Marilouise Kelly, Joseph Lach Sr., Nicholas Lombardi, James Nicholson, James Papandrea, Esmond “Pete” Penny, Frank Pierre, John “Jake” Poulakis, Raymond Rand, Cyrilo Roque, Bob Shearn, Marvin “John” Siebold, Chet Sinclair, Francis C. “Smitty” Smith and John Wourgola.