Franklin Square students honors veterans at assembly

Franklin Square’s Washington Street School celebrated Veterans Day on Nov. 9 with an annual assembly, welcoming local veterans and honoring them with multiple performances.

In the gymnasium, the school community gathered and waved handmade artwork and signs as the veterans entered to cheers and applause. Kelly Tesar, music, teacher, kicked off the assembly by singing the National Anthem after the pledge of allegiance.

Students listened to John Stella, principal, as he explained the inception of Veterans Day and the branches of military the day recognizes.

“Today, we honor and remember all of our veterans and thank them for their selfless sacrifices to ensure our freedoms,” Stella said. “On behalf of Washington Street School, we thank you, veterans.”

During the assembly, Dominic Gobbo, assistant principal, introduced honored guests. The school held a moment of silence in the gymnasium for those who have passed and the school’s band and Jason O’Connor, band teacher, performed a rendition of “Taps.”

Students from third, fourth, fifth and sixth grade read poems and letters aloud on stage as they expressed their thoughts on veterans. All students in those grades participated in the writing activity, and the veterans were each given a care package to take home that had some of the letters and poems inside.

The school joined in sing-alongs of various patriotic songs with Tesar. The veterans were invited to stand when a song was performed that represented their branch of military.