Meadow Elementary School students and staff gathered on the school's back field for a Military Appreciation Day ceremony recognizing veterans, active-duty service members and military families during National Military Appreciation Month.
Dressed in red, white and blue and waving American flags, students joined veterans and guests for the annual event, which opened with a performance of "God Bless America" by the Nassau County Firefighters Pipes & Drums band.
The ceremony was organized by teachers Linda Sandorfi and Vincenza Simal and led by Meadow's Student Council. More than a dozen veterans representing the Army, Army National Guard, Air Force and Marine Corps were honored for their service.
Among those recognized was David Marshall, a 101-year-old World War II veteran who served in the U.S. Army. Marshall, who enlisted at age 18, has become a familiar and inspiring presence at the annual event.
A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of a $1,470 donation to Building Homes for Heroes, a nonprofit organization that provides mortgage-free homes to severely injured veterans and first responders. The money was raised through Meadow's ongoing bottle collection drive.
School officials said the recycling initiative has collected more than 99,000 bottles over the past 13 years and generated more than $5,000 for the organization.
Now in its fifth year, the Military Appreciation Day ceremony also featured performances by the Meadow band and chorus. Members of the Baldwin Fire Department participated in the event, displaying a large American flag suspended between two ladder trucks.
Guests were also invited to view a war memorabilia exhibit in the school gymnasium and a "Wall of Heroes" honoring veterans connected to Meadow students and staff.
National Military Appreciation Month was established by Congress in 1999 to recognize members of the armed forces, veterans and their families. School officials said the annual ceremony helps teach students the importance of service, sacrifice and community support.
