The Rocky Point School District had a Salute To America's Veterans ceremony this past Friday afternoon.
The event is now the 23rd year in a row that the district has held such an event that supports and honors those who served. Taking place at Joseph A. Edgar's Intermediate School, the gym was filled to capacity with veterans, children, proud family members and local dignitaries.
The day began with the pledge of allegiance recited by members of the fifth grade student council and was followed by the 5th grade chorus 'High Notes' led by Mr. Knapp. Mrs. Costa's council also participated in reading a poem and handing out letters to the veterans in attendance. Principal Mrs. Greening welcomed the crowd and things were underway with songs and adulation for the veterans in attendance.
Mr. Knapp explained that he has been doing this event since the beginning, actually kept all of the programs through the years, and his students not only sang perfectly, but the song choices throughout the day were moving the crowd. The end performance being the students singing each branch of the military's fight song, which had everyone energized.
The video by Mrs. Berretta's Technology Club gave the audience a historical look at each of the armed services, history and you could feel the pride in the room from esteemed onlookers like Jane Bonner right down to each of the students who were captivated by the ceremonies.
The highlight of the day came when each veteran stood up and spoke of their rank, branch and a few words about themselves or service time. Veterans from Vietnam through current service members gave us a peek into their personalities. One veteran made it a point to yell "go Navy beat Army" with a smile; others were more solemn in their delivery.
But the most impactful story came from a veteran who said that he went to school and graduated from the very school he was standing in. His teacher was the man whose name was on the building and the day came full circle when the students realized that they could be the ones standing there one day with pride. The eyes of youngsters staring at the vets the way we know they should, like they are heroes, more than any athlete or actress, were what the day was all about. The real heroes connected with the youth and the youngsters showed the utmost respect.