Thursday, October 1, 2026
The De La Salle School hosted a special “Salute Our Heroes” concert for veterans and service members on May 20 ahead of Memorial Day five days later. The students performed solo and chorale performances of classic patriotic songs.
This was the third year The De La Salle School held this concert, which according to Executive Director Roxanna De Peña-Elder, aims to honor the men and women that have been veterans and local heroes.
“It is important for our students to recognize the sacrifices, courage and service of those who have helped protect and strengthen our country and communities,” Peña-Elder said.
The program went beyond honoring the legacies and contributions of veterans, but also active military members, police officers, firefighters and other first responders and community heroes.
When asked why Memorial Day is important, Jeremy Bonilla said, “There’s specific heroes that help us through freedom and rights. Even though sometimes we forget our freedoms, they fight for our freedom because they know what is right for us.”
Sixth grader Christian Melendez added, “I think it’s important celebrating Memorial Day and our heroes because we get to honor the people that fought for us and for our rights.”
The students performed American classics like “The Star Spangled Banner,” “America The Beautiful,” “You’re A Grand Old Flag” and “God Bless America.” Fifth grader Adrian Pena, sixth graders Neal Rodriguez, Endrick Betances, Ahriel Quiroz, Ackner Gonzalez and Bonilla, and seventh graders Bruce Hernandez, Angel Hernandez and Matthew Reyes, performed vocal solos. Other students also displayed their musical talents with instrumental accompaniment.
