Thursday, October 1, 2026
Patriotic songs echoed throughout Lynbrook Public Library on June 22, when dozens of West End Elementary School second-graders helped transport residents back to the Revolutionary War era during a special America 250 celebration, while exploring the area’s own role in the nation’s founding.
The evening brought together the library, the Historical Society of East Rockaway and Lynbrook, the Lynbrook School District and local historians to commemorate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The event reached capacity as West End students, their families and community members filled the library’s meeting room.
The program featured presentations from Lynbrook Village Historian Art Mattson and East Rockaway Village Historian Frank Torre, along with performances by the West End School Patriotic Singers.
“It really was an honor to be part of this,” Jodi Abrams, West End’s general music and chorus teacher, said. “There’s only one time ever that we have a 250th anniversary, and I’m excited it landed on this year and this particular group of students. I am appreciative of the collaboration between the Lynbrook schools, library and historical society.”
Abrams said the opportunity came after Mattson reached out to Lynbrook Schools Superintendent Paul Lynch looking for a musical performance to accompany the presentation. Since Abrams’ second graders had spent the school year learning patriotic songs for their annual spring performance, she volunteered to have them perform at the library.
“They were really excited,” Abrams said. “Usually, community event musical performances tend to include the older students. Our fourth and fifth grade chorus takes part in a lot of community events, so for second graders, they don’t always have this opportunity. They were very enthusiastic and joyful to have another chance to perform.”
About 40 students participated, many of them accompanied by their parents, grandparents and siblings. The students opened the program with five patriotic songs, including “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “I Love America.”
As the students rehearsed throughout the year, Abrams said, they also learned the stories behind songs such as “The Star-Spangled Banner,” helping them understand how music reflects American history.
“I think it’s important and meaningful so that they can appreciate our community and feel more connected with it,” she said. “Especially as they continue to learn about American history, they can connect it to their knowledge and understanding of Lynbrook’s rich history.”
Following the students’ performance, Mattson and Torre shared stories about the Revolutionary War’s connections to the Lynbrook and East Rockaway areas, including a little-known armed confrontation between Patriots and Loyalists near what is now Lakeview before the Battle of Long Island.
“Not many people know this, but one of the early engagements of the war took place not so far from Lynbrook,” Torre said.
He also spoke about Robert Davidson, an East Rockaway patriot who served in the Continental Navy, noting that many residents of southern Hempstead at the time remained loyal to the British Crown.
Torre said learning local history helps residents better understand both their community and the sacrifices made by previous generations.
“You have to learn from the mistakes of the previous generation,” he said. “If you forget the trials and tribulations they’ve gone through, you’re never going to learn anything.”
As the nation prepares to celebrate the United States Semiquincentennial, Torre said he hopes residents leave with a deeper appreciation for those who fought for the country’s independence.
“I think how hard people fought for them to have freedom and live in the country they have today,” he said. “It wasn’t easy. It was very brutal, and people forget that.”
The evening also included colonial-era refreshments, opportunities for families to meet costumed portrayals of George and Martha Washington, and a patriotic singalong to close the program.
Kathy Buchsbaum, assistant director of the Lynbrook Public Library and head of adult programming and outreach, said the event grew out of the library’s longstanding partnership with the Historical Society of East Rockaway and Lynbrook.
“It was a really successful night,” Buchsbaum said. “People left happy and patriotic, and there was a love of people for this community that gets together. Being together that night was a very special moment for all of us.”
In an email following the event, Mattson said the evening exceeded expectations and credited the students with making the program memorable.
“I am still all aglow following Monday night,” Mattson wrote. “From comments I heard, the crowd was immensely pleased. How could we fail with those second-graders totally stealing the show!”
Superintendent Lynch echoed those sentiments in an email, thanking everyone involved in the collaboration.
“I cannot express how proud the district is to have played a part,” Lynch wrote. “A community partnership like this is what Lynbrook is all about.”
