It was the last day of school before the long Memorial Day weekend. A dozen veterans dressed in uniforms from The Granville American Legion Post 323 Color Guard stood at parade rest in the parking lot in front of the Mettawee Community School (MCS). At precisely 8:30 am, the students from Mettawee emerged through the front door silently by grade with each student holding a small American flag. They lined up solemnly on the grass, face to face with the veterans who had served their country.
“Memorial Day creates an opportunity for our students to appreciate the sacrifices made to protect our freedoms,” said Brooke DeBonis, MCS Principal. “The reverence of the event and the look on the students’ faces show they understand the sacrifices these men made. It was clear that the ceremony made a deep impression.”
The Pledge of Allegiance was followed by a rendition of the National Anthem featuring a moving solo performance on saxophone by 4th grade student Conner Biddiscombe. A group of 6th graders stepped forward to speak to the gathering on the meaning of Memorial Day. The veterans from Granville conducted a formal three-volley salute as a tribute to fallen soldiers. As the sound of the rounds echoed, “Taps” was played on trumpets by Mettawee students Delilah Buck and Leo Balzano.
Each grade then participated in a series of readings in honor of Memorial Day. The sixth graders, for example, all participated in a recitation of President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. The fourth graders read the poem “Our Soldier,” written by Jean Barkema, a former Mettawee student. The final stanza summed up the sentiment of the morning:
“Our nation is thankful, your sacrifices abound, so thank you for your service, our gratitude profound.”
(Photo above: “Taps” was played on trumpets by Mettawee students Leo Balzano and Delilah Buck.)
Mettawee 4th grade student Conner Biddiscombe played a solo performance of the National Anthem on saxophone.
Principal Brooke DeBonis opens the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Mettawee Community School.
Veterans from the Granville American Legion Post 323 Color Guard served as guests of honor at the Mettawee Community School Memorial Day Celebration.
Old Glory flies high at the Memorial Day Celebration at the Mettawee Community School.