Max Chadran (left) and Jack Kelley put up the last “bricks” in a wall of papers honoring service members­—past and present—related to children at the elementary school. (Photos by Lisa Aciukewicz)

On Wednesday, Nov. 10, Hildreth Elementary School (HES) hosted a Veterans Day event for 22 local veterans. The special program, now in its third year, came to fruition as a result of the efforts of guidance counselor Christine Reale and 35 HES fifth-graders, who helped organize and set up the special program.

The day's events honored veterans for their service and provided insights to students on what it means to be a member of the military. School staff members and students alike had the opportunity to mingle with the visitors and ask questions during the day's activities, which started with a breakfast. Following the breakfast, those gathered viewed I Fought For You, a short patriotic film that honors the achievements and emphasizes the sacrifices of soldiers representing all branches of the armed forces.

After the movie, the veterans were escorted into the gymnasium, where the entire school had assembled to welcome them. The special assembly, which opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and the playing of the National Anthem, recognized the symbolic white table that was present, set and ready for a meal, with an empty chair saved for the hoped-for return of prisoners of war (POW) or those missing in action.

A highlight of the assembly was a wall of more than 300 "bricks" collected by HES students and assembled to look like a flag. The "bricks" were colored squares of paper on which students each wrote the name of a family member who served in the military, either past or present.

The special assembly was a big hit with many of the students, who could be overheard saying things such as, "Wow, there's my dad," "That was awesome," and "Thank you!" to the veterans, many of whom were dressed in uniform.

The children's fervor continued when some of the veterans visited classrooms and read to the students the book, America's White Table, by Margo Theis Raven. The story, which recounts the memories of three children whose Uncle John is a POW, is told in nonpolitical and compassionate terms.

From left, elementary school students and brownies Bridget Kennedy, Marley Ferguson,  and Allie Hunter hold a banner as Katie Erdos holds a flag at a Veterans Day ceremony in the old library.

The service members were deeply touched by the recognition they received. "People who aren't around the military on a day-to-day basis aren't aware of the sacrifices that these men and women and their families make in support of our country," said retired Air Force officer Albert Allard of West Bare Hill Road. "Events like this make me feel proud for my years of service."

The symbolism was meaningful to many teachers as well. Art teacher Cindy Harris, whose son is in the Air Force, said, "We often forget about soldiers unless we have an immediate family member serving. I think it was amazing that we had the chance today to honor all veterans from past to present."

Fifth-grader Jenny Andrews spoke of her grandfather and uncle, who both served in the military. She beamed when she reflected on her time with the veterans, saying, "Now I understand what it means to be a soldier. It was important for me to help out."

This is exactly the reaction guidance counselor Reale was hoping for. She said, "At the end of the day, some first-graders were lined up for the bus saluting and singing the National Anthem. I wanted our school to really honor and show our appreciation to the veterans and at the same time make it real and personal for the kids. I think we did just that. We had one student whose dad was there and she started to cry and said, 'Now I know what my daddy's job is.' She was so proud. I want that experience for all the kids."