Students honor veterans in outdoor ceremony
By Melissa Muntz Community Reporter

Shrewsbury - As men and women in the U.S. military fight overseas for their country, their lives and the freedom of those left behind, our nation gathered to honor their eff orts, their dedication and the sacrifice they make for each of us every day.

In a ceremony Nov. 9, Sherwood Middle School students gathered around the school flagpole, where they paid tribute to our nation's veterans through essays, poems and music.

"Some have given up their lives while others are alive to tell their heroic tales and yet some are still fighting," read sixth-grader Meghan Kean, who wrote her essay for her cousin Shawn, who is currently serving in Iraq. "So today we honor those who have fought for their lives for our freedom and safety … because without their courage and loyalty to this country, life would not be the same."

Fifth-grader Margaret Gach used her essay to define what she believes it means to be a veteran.

"Someone who is brave, risks their life for another, someone who cares, someone who is working to make the world a better place for all of us," Gach said.

Marine Corps 1st Lt. Patrick Collins, who fought in the Persian Gulf War, was the keynote speaker at the event.

Collins spoke to the students about the importance of honoring the sacrifices of men and women who have fought for freedom and justice both at home and abroad.

"Today we recognize the faithful service of men and women fighting for our country in Iraq and Afghanistan, pray for their safe return and remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country," Collins said.

"Thank you, veterans, for putting your life on the line," sixth-grader Jacob Dubois said. "Thank you, veterans, for helping the world to become a more peaceful place."

The Veterans Day celebration was organized by Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator Heather Gablaski, who said the event was an opportunity for students to not only honor the individual men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, but also to celebrate the values these organizations represents, including perseverance, dedication and a personal commitment to something bigger than oneself.