Monday, December 2, 2024
Local veterans joined students and staff outside the flag-adorned front law of Floyd B. Watson Elementary School in Rockville Centre on Nov. 8 to participate in the school’s third annual Field of Honor ceremony.
Watson has always celebrated Veterans Day with classroom lessons focused on the importance of those who served and those still fighting overseas for our country.
Instead of just honoring veterans one day of the year, the Field of Honor will remain in front of the school for the entire month of November as a reminder of the sacrifice made by the men and women of the United States military.
Each flag is purchased and placed on the lawn to honor or memorialize a family member or friend of the Watson school community and veterans all across the country.
This year, the school raised $650 with the flag sponsorships, which was presented to American Legion Post 303 in Rockville Centre.
In previous years, the funds raised were donated to the National Military Family Association to help fund programs like Operation Purple Camp, and the Army Ranger Lead the Way Fund, which was created in honor of fallen Army Ranger James Regan, to provide financial support to veterans and active military service members.
The American Legion is the largest veterans organization in the country with more than 1.6 million members nationwide dedicated to providing programs, service and advocacy for veterans and active duty military personnel as well as the youth and communities they represent. In Nassau County there are more than 30,000 veterans represented across 52 posts.
“It just brings me immense pride to work with teachers and staff and students and families who are so committed to honoring veterans and Veterans Day,” Watson Elementary School Principal Jen Pascarella said. “I could not be more proud to be part of the Watson community.”
Trish Montemarano and Andrea Grubb, two Watson school staff members, helped organize, plan and execute this year’s event. Before the ceremony, students gathered in the classroom to learn about what it means to respect the flag and what the flag represents.
The ceremony recognized many of the veterans in attendance this year and those whose families sponsored a flag to be flown.
Watson teacher Amy Eckelman delivered a riveting performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” during the ceremony, which came to a close with the entire school community joining together to sing “You’re a Grand Ol’ Flag,” in a powerful display of patriotism and unity.
