HONORING OUR VETERANS

On November 10, 2014, the Bretton Woods Elementary School’s faculty and students honored 41 veterans – spanning six branches of service. The featured guest speaker was Town of Islip Supervisor and New York State Senator-Elect, District 3, Thomas Croci, a Navy Veteran Commander, who served in the Arabian Gulf, Iraq, Afghanistan (three tours) and the White House Situation Room.

The Bretton Woods students entered the beautifully decorated gymnasium accompanied by military processional music. Bretton Woods’ Boy Scouts kicked off the assembly by posting our nation’s colors and leading the attendees and honored guests in the Pledge of Allegiance. The audience was entirely decked out in red, white and blue, and students proudly wore stars decorated with the names of their family members who have served in the military. Following Principal Gagliardi’s welcome remarks, a video narrated by Jennifer Love Hewitt, called “Those Who Serve,” offered students an inside look at the military and how they can do community service to show their thanks and to give back.

Each Bretton Woods grade level performed patriotic songs, and for the grand finale, the entire student body sang “Proud to Be an American.” A video of former and current servicemen and women who are related to Bretton Woods’ staff also looped in the background throughout the program.

“It was a memorable event for everyone. It gave all those in attendance a great sense of pride in our country and a lot for our students to reflect upon as we honor all of America’s veterans and current servicemen and women,” stated Bretton Woods Principal George Gagliardi.