Brooklyn School proudly recognized the bravery, honor, and sacrifice of all United States military veterans during a special Veterans Day assembly in the Brooklyn Auditorium on Friday, November 11, 2022. Students were encouraged to invite family members with prior military service to attend the program and were provided the opportunity to sit together near the front of the auditorium stage. Each branch of the United States military was recognized onstage as groups of students held a flag featuring the colors and official seal of a specific uniformed service. A student from each group provided an overview of the military branch including the year it was founded and its primary responsibilities. Veterans in attendance were asked to stand once their military branch was recognized and were provided a poppy flower in recognition of their service. Members of the 5th-7th grade choir groups paid tribute with a stirring performance of God Bless the USA (I’m Proud to be an American) by Lee Greenwood.
Several Brooklyn School staff members also delivered remarks in honor of Veterans Day. Brooklyn Third Grade Teacher and United States Navy Veteran, Mrs. Samantha Green, shared about the impactful lessons she learned while serving in the military, including the importance of remembering that our individual freedoms were paid for and defended by those who serve. Assistant Principal Ms. Lara Smith shared about the impact and legacy of friends and family who served in the military, including her own father.
The program also included a moment of silence for veterans who are classified as Missing in Action or a Prisoner of War, as well as the playing of Taps by trumpet players from the Brooklyn High School Band in honor of those who paid the ultimate price of their lives for defending freedom. At the conclusion of the program, students and veteran family members took a group picture in front of the stage.
A special thank you to the Brooklyn School Veterans Committee for organizing the Veterans Day assembly, as well as the National Junior Art Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, and Student Council for their participation. The Brooklyn City Schools would like to thank all United States military veterans for their service and sacrifice on behalf of our freedoms and nation.
