Vets visit Malverne kids for Memorial Day

    Students at the Maurice W. Downing Elementary School in Malverne received a special treat last week when some local veterans dropped by to put on a Memorial Day Assembly.
    Students were treated to a morning of inspiration and laughter, and entertained with a medley of fun and interactive activities during the event, which was put on by the American Legion Malverne Post 44 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1073 on May 26. The purpose of the assembly was two-fold: to honor veterans and entertain children. But, it turned out to offer more as the students got an important lesson about service and helping others.
    A select number of parents and teachers sung lively songs with the youngsters. "The children found the singing beautiful," said Peter Zullo, past commander of Post 44. The choir, made up of parents and teachers wore funny glasses to make the children laugh — and that they did.
    They also got a kick out of the recognition ceremony in which the veterans' organizations presented a number of students with Peacemaker of the Month certificates.
    Several veteran heroes shared their inspirational life experiences with the youngsters. Each veteran told a unique tale to the students to make them think. Zullo said that the children "learned about the service of veterans of all different branches."
    But the highlight of the event was a surprise guest, a local Marines lieutenant to whom the students had been writing letters throughout the school year. Finally meeting the lieutenant for the first time was exciting for the kids, who enjoyed the opportunity to ask questions and get an up-close and personal learning experience.
    "The reason they can go to school is because of the vets and what they did for our country," said Peter Zullo. "Always keep veterans on your minds."