FRRES Honors Veterans
By Sandy Balayan
December 2024
“Thank you for all you’ve done. In my heart you are number one! You give up so much, and sacrifice. You leave your family without thinking twice. I have my freedom because of you. I can’t thank you enough for all you do!”
At the end of the Veterans Day assembly at the Farmington River Regional Elementary School on November 12th, the sixteen veterans who attended lined up for a meet and greet and were handed a beautiful thank you card with the above rhyme on it from the preschool students as they walked down the line. From preschool to sixth grade, every student participated in this beautiful event. It was evident that the teachers and administrators of the school planned and prepared the students to give back on this occasion.
Walking into the school you could feel the buzz of excitement in the air. At 9:00 a.m. the students hosted the veterans with a meet and greet breakfast, serving the food and coffee/juice. Brittany Malbaurn came to support her fourth grader Cora because her grandfather, a Navy vet, was away and Cora was disappointed he couldn’t come. “Cora has been so excited about this day. The FRRES really prepared the students and gave them a true understanding of the role the veterans of all branches of the service played in our freedom,” said Brittany. “This is a great school.”
The buzz in the cafeteria was animated and there were many happy faces. Veterans were sitting with children and talking, answering questions and just simply enjoying the children and basking in the kindness and respect. The veterans are truly grateful for this yearly event, and appreciate the thank you notes and attention of the students. They ask questions and learn from the veterans at the same time they are giving their all to serve the veterans. The entertainment that followed the breakfast involved everyone of the school community. All assembled rose for a group Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the Star Spangled Banner, hand on hearts, veterans included, saluting. Each grade presented a song, a performance with bells, drums, and teachers accompanied with guitar or keyboard. Everyone involved expressed a level of respect and appreciation for our veterans. The third and fourth grade song said it all. These are everyday heroes who contributed to the freedom we all enjoy. This song even came with choreography!
The veterans were introduced by the branch they served in. Each of the sixteen vets stood to applause and admiration. An acrostic poem by the first graders included: Very brave, Excellent, Trustworthy, Extraordinary, Respectful, Always remember, Never give up, spelling out “VETERAN.”
The school pledge and the emphasis on character, “Character counts … everywhere all the time,” was evident by the emphasis on the veterans. These students got it. They understood. And who is to thank for this enlightened group of students, from pre-k to sixth grade? Principal Laurie Flower and her incredibly hard working and dedicated staff.
Laurie said it best, “It is a privilege to honor our veterans. I was emotional listening to the very youngest members of our community singing patriotic songs inspired by the sacrifices and dedication of our veterans. I want to thank everyone on staff who put this assembly together and the teachers who work hard each and every day with our students who have raised their voices and understood the meaning of serving our country.”
Tom Soules, our resident veteran organizer extraordinaire, said the event is a win-win for all. The veterans are as inspired as the students, and he felt the tug on his heart strings. You can tell there is a lot of admiration on both sides. Tom also said the pancake breakfast on Sunday, November 10th drew 19 veterans, a total of 127 adults, seven children and two dogs for this wonderful event.
One veteran relayed a story of years after serving in Germany. He was spit on by some Vietnam war protesters in the late sixties. It happened many times and the disrespect was biting to the core. He said an event like this gives you faith in humanity and affords veterans, who have been shunned for serving, hope that the country understands the sacrifice of the men and women who gave their lives to insure the freedom and protect the very people that spit on and disrespected them.
Community recognizing the veterans, from the very young to the senior citizens, this is what Otis is all about. You need inspiration? Just move to Otis and join the many wonderful volunteer organizations or avail yourself of what is offered in our small but mighty community.
Veteran’s breakfast November 10th at the Farmington River School
Photo: Frank Tolopko
Student’s Own Message to Veterans
Dear Veteran,
Thank you for your service! There are many reasons that I am thankful for your service. One reason I am thankful for your service is you teach important values. One way you taught important values is by showing what teamwork means. Another way you taught important values is by demonstrating leadership. These are only a few ways you taught important values.
The second reason I am thankful for your service is you also made very big sacrifices. One sacrifice you made is living away from home. Another big sacrifice you made is missing holidays with your family. These are only a few sacrifices of the many you made.
Another reason I am thankful for your service is your amazing bravery. One way you showed bravery is by helping others even if it is scary. These are only a few ways you showed bravery.
The fourth reason I am thankful for your service is you continue to serve even after the military. One way you continue to serve is by helping other veterans. Another way you continue to serve is coming to our school on Veterans Day. These are only a few of the many ways you continue to serve.
The final reason I am thankful for your service is you protect our freedom and rights. One way you protect our freedom and rights is by keeping our country safe. Another way you protect our freedom and rights is by protecting our right to make choices. These are only a few of the many ways you protect our freedom and rights.
Sincerely,
Thalia, fifth grader FRRES
