November 11 is a special day in America to honor all those who serve and have served.
According to History, Veterans’ Day was established on November 11, 1918, to commemorate the end of World War I at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. It was originally called Armistice Day, but after World War II, it was changed to Veterans’ Day.
Here at Stroudsburg High School, we honor our Veterans with a history of the day on the announcements in the morning. We recognize those who have served in that work here at Stroudsburg.
The rest of the district also honors our Veterans. Showcasing Chipperfield Elementary, an assembly is put on every year to honor Veterans through music.
““What meant the most was the clapping. It wasn’t just a normal clap, it was enthusiastic and appreciative. It feels good to be recognized by these kids as someone who has served the country.”
— William Harris, Army Veteran
.sno-pullquote-691b8a8707eb7 { display: flex; float: left; margin: 30px 30px 30px 0; width: 50%; border-color: #870000; border-top-width: 5px; border-right-width: 5px; border-bottom-width: 5px; border-left-width: 5px; } .sno-pullquote-691b8a8707eb7 p.pullquotetext, .sno-pullquote-691b8a8707eb7 p.quotespeaker { } .sno-pullquote-691b8a8707eb7 .pullquotepic { width: 33%; margin-left: 25px; } .sno-story-body .sno-pullquote-691b8a8707eb7 p.pullquotetext { font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.4em; } .sno-pullquote-691b8a8707eb7 .quotebar { background: #dddddd; flex: 0 0 90px; margin-top: -15px; margin-left: -15px; padding-left: 15px; padding-top: 15px; margin-right: 15px; } .sno-pullquote-691b8a8707eb7 .largequote { color: #888888; } .sno-pullquote-691b8a8707eb7 .quotebody { width: unset; }The event started with a breakfast that the students got to have with the Veterans that they invited. The assembly followed shortly after that, with the entirety of Chipperfield giving the Veterans a standing ovation as they entered the gym for the assembly.
Mr. Gary Schubert giving a history of his flag collection and a picture of a past Veteran. (Keira Paradis)
Mrs. Nicole Ramano, the principal, then called out each branch of the military so the Veterans could stand for which they had served.
“This was my first assembly when I became principal here, and it is sentimental to me because it is important to the students and staff, and it is important to honor the Veterans. It is important for the students to hear about the military and the history of the branches,” says Mrs. Ramano, Chippefield Principal.
Then, the National Anthem was sung by everyone. Each grade then sang a song taught by Mr. Kurtis Reif and Mrs. Kim Kopec, both music teachers at Chipperfield.
Mrs. Kim Kopec conducting second grade through “My Country ‘Tis Of Thee.” (Keira Paradis)
Mr. Kurtis Reif accompanying one of the songs on piano. (Keira Paradis)
Kindergarten sang “When Johnny Comes Marching Home,” and first grade sang “This Land Is Your Land.” Second grade sang “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” and third grade sang “Thank You Soldiers.” Finally, fourth grade sang “Land That I Love/America The Beautiful.”
The middle school wind ensemble also came down for the morning to perform “Heroes and Glory,” directed by Mrs. Christina Caiazzo.
The Middle School Wind Ensemble directed by Mrs.. Christina Caiazzo. (Keira Paradis)
Every year, Mr. Gary Schubert has his third-grade class perform a folding of the American flag. He gives a history lesson on the various numbers of American flags that he has collected throughout his life. His flags include a thirteen-star flag, a 45-star flag, and even a 48-star flag. Every time the class performed a fold, he gave the history on what each fold of the flag represented.
Even though Veterans’ Day is over for this year, remember to thank your Veterans and any you may meet. If little voices can bring tears through song, you can bring a smile with a simple “thank you.”