Across the Darien Public Schools, students and community came together last week to honor those who have and currently serve.
As part of Veterans Day activities, patriotic songs and musical tributes were part of many celebrations, including those at Tokeneke and Royle elementary schools.
Veterans Day event at a Darien school (photo from Darien Public Schools newsletter)
Others had large and small group gatherings where veterans shared their experiences serving America.
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— This article comes from the Darien Public Schools “News of the Week” newsletter.
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The following are some highlights:
Hindley Elementary School celebrated its 11th annual Veterans Day Share for 4th and 5th grade students. In attendance were 33 veterans who were family members of Hindley students. Students sang patriotic songs (pictured above) and asked veterans about their service. A reception for the veterans took place in the library. Members from each branch of the armed forces representing conflicts since the 1950s were honored for their service.
Holmes Elementary School saluted veterans by proudly displaying photos of men and women who have served in the military on the Wall of Honor. Veterans were escorted into the common room where the 5th graders presented a musical tribute. The veteran guests were introduced and presented with an American flag.
Ox Ridge Elementary School honored nearly 30 Veterans, spanning the Vietnam War era through service during the “War on Terror”. Students had a chance to honor the veterans in song and learn directly from their experience during a “Q+A” session.
Middlesex Middle School (MMS) celebrated Veterans Day with an 8th grade assembly to honor local veterans from several branches of the armed services. The distinguished speakers all had ties to MMS, as three veterans were former MMS students and the others were parents of students. Geoffrey Byrne who is a former MMS student, finished Marine boot camp this month at Parris Island, South Carolina. He and his father presented.
Darien High School (DHS) brought together an impressive group of veterans who shared their experiences in both a large assembly and in smaller sessions. Among the speakers were Phil Kraft and Vietnam Veterans from the VFW Post in Darien. Phil Kraft (ARMY, Vietnam), served as the VFW Post Commander from 200-2015, VFW CT Veterans Services Chairman, and the Vietnam Veterans Association Advisor on Agent Orange since 1995. Phil is currently President of the National Veterans Services Fund. Additionally, DHS teacher Steve Leete shared his experiences as a member of the United States Army. DHS Art teacher Michelle Currier presented her father’s photographs and stories from Vietnam.