On Nov. 7 and 8, the Bayport-Blue Point School District held two memorable events at Academy Street and Blue Point elementary schools to honor the service and sacrifices of our nation’s veterans. At Academy Street Elementary School, fifth grade students educated their peers about the different branches of the military and ways to honor our veterans. The assembly featured a scripted skit, telling the story of how Veterans Day became an official holiday. A poem by Susan Smith titled, “We Honor You Today” was read aloud, followed by the second-grade classes’ performance of “The Poppy Song”. As a token of appreciation, each veteran received a poppy, symbolizing remembrance and support for those who served.
Veterans in attendance were then invited to the front of the auditorium where students took turns asking insightful questions about their service, including why they joined the military and what branch they served in.
Ahead of their assembly, Blue Point Elementary students created a moving “Hallway of Heroes” tribute decorated with stars bearing photos and facts about Bayport-Blue Point veterans. Additionally, students participated in fundraising efforts to support Cooking for Long Island Veterans, an organization dedicated to providing meals and groceries to homebound veterans.
On Nov. 8, Blue Point Elementary held its second annual veterans breakfast, welcoming students and their relatives who are veterans or active military personnel. Following the breakfast, the students and veterans joined the rest of the school for a spirited assembly.
During the assembly, the entire school community united in song, performing “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” to celebrate their patriotism. Then, a special visit from Sammy, an ambassador dog from America’s VetDogs, a non-profit organization that trains and places guide and service dogs with veterans, visited to teach students about their mission.
Then, to further teach students about the important role of our veterans, speech-language teacher Mrs. Monahan read “Veterans: Heroes in Our Neighborhood”, and each class received a complimentary copy of the book thanks to the Blue Point PTA.
Third, fourth and fifth-grade students performed a powerful rendition of “America the Beautiful”, followed by the “Armed Forces Medley”. Veterans in attendance were invited to stand as their respective military branch was honored in the song. The assembly concluded with a unified sing-along of “God Bless the USA”, bringing together students, faculty and veterans in a moment of patriotism and reflection.
