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Veterans Day salute at Stony Brook
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| | | Fourth- and fifth-graders from New Lane Elementary School in Selden form an American flag and sing to honor residents at the Long Island State Veterans Home. Below, many of the students met and chatted with the residents during the pre-Veterans Day event on Tuesday. Photos by Jennifer Choi (click for larger version) | |
November 12, 2009 | 11:33 AM
Dressed in red, white and blue, 50 students from Selden's New Lane Memorial Elementary School visited the Long Island State Veterans Home in Stony Brook Tuesday to perform a medley of patriotic songs.
During the annual Veterans Day ceremony at LISVH, fourth- and fifth-graders from the Selden school sang patriotic tunes including "This Land Is Your Land," "God Bless the USA" and "God Bless America." Following the musical celebration, the students greeted the more than 300 veterans in attendance and thanked them for their service in the armed forces.
Lynda Grossman, a fifth-grade teacher at New Lane, said this year's Veterans Day ceremony marks the fifth visit by children from her school. Joined by fourth-grade teacher Melissa Bukowski, Grossman said the students were asked to "count how many smiles you see today" as they greeted the veterans. "The kids do a wonderful job," she said, adding that they practiced a great deal on their own to prepare for the musical performances.
Noting that both she and Bukowski have fathers who served in the military, Grossman said participating in the annual ceremony is a way of "paying honor to our dads as well as the wonderful veterans here." As for the younger generation singing for the veterans, Grossman said it's "so nice for the kids to have that connection."
"It's magic," she added. "It really is."
Lee Grace Cannella, director of recreation therapy at LISVH, said the veterans home has supported intergenerational programs since its inception nearly 20 years ago. "I really believe in the programs," Cannella said, noting that they have become "more profound over the years." Applauding the efforts of teachers and students who participate in various events, the director said, "What a better way to teach history and social studies."
Addressing the many veterans and students, LISVH Executive Director Fred Sganga noted that Veterans Day is not only a day of national significance but also "a day of great personal reflection" to remember those who provided "selfless service in the name of peace."
"We should never forget what our veterans have done for us," Sganga said. "That service is the price of freedom."
Lt. Col. Albert Ricci of the New York Army National Guard, keynote speaker of Tuesday's event, said he was "humbled and honored" to be invited to the ceremony. "We've all paid an ultimate sacrifice to be in uniform," Ricci said. "We are making history as we are working today."
Citing the dedication of New York Yankees fans who attended the recent ticker-tape parade to celebrate the team's World Series title, Ricci noted that people should be just as committed to honoring veterans for their service. Joined by active members of his Ronkonkoma Army Aviation Support Facility, Ricci said, "I thank you all for who you are and what you do. We're not getting paid like Derek Jeter gets paid."
Following the annual ceremony, fifth-grader Joey Rokosz said he enjoyed "shaking hands with the veterans." Rokosz, 10, added that it's important to honor veterans because "they fought for our country."
Siara Delgado, also in fifth grade, said singing for the veterans was her favorite part of the celebration. Asked why it's important to visit the veterans home, Delgado replied, "Because they served our country, and they helped us have our freedom."
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