MONROE, CT — Stepney Elementary School welcomed 19 veterans to their morning assembly for Veterans Day Monday, when children proudly introduced their loved ones who served.
Students sang patriotic songs and thanked their guests. Principal Ashley Furnari also read the names of family members who are veterans that could not make it as their photos appeared onscreen.
“Today we gather here to honor the men and women who served in the United States military,” Furnari said. “Veterans Day is a special day to pay tribute to all American veterans, both those who are here with us today and those who have passed away. It’s a time to show our gratitude to those individuals who showed bravery and courage and served our country.”
“We are lucky today to have some veterans with us here at Stepney Elementary School,” she said. “We will be taking a moment to recognize and give them thanks for their service to our country. Each one of these veterans have made a sacrifice and we would like to give them all a quiet thank you.”
The large crowd of children seated throughout the room said, “thank you” in unison.
“As a reminder, there’s so many ways to show thanks,” Furnari said. “You can give a smile, you can give a wave or you can give a thumbs up, ‘great job.'”
“On behalf of Stepney School, we are so happy to have you here with us today, thank you for serving our country and keeping us safe and free,” she told the veterans.
Below is a video of the visiting veterans entering the gym and being introduced by their children and grandchildren, as well as a photo gallery of pictures by teacher, Lisa Martinsky.
