The Berlin School District came together to celebrate and honor veterans on Monday Nov. 11. The program brought together local veterans, Clay Lamberton, BMS, BHS, and people from the community.
“We started this five years ago with the entire district coming together and I think it’s really special we get to all be there, contributing to honor our veterans. I enjoy listening to all the student speeches/poems from each level, in addition to the music,” BMS Principal Colleen Pariso said.
The program consisted of musical performances by BHS choir and Clay Lamberton, as well as multiple speeches from students and faculty members. Clay Lamberton music teacher Adam Davis practiced the song “Grand ‘Ol Flag” for a couple of weeks so they could perform as a group at the program.
“I think even at a young age, there are so many students who feel pride to be able to sing this. They know people in their family who were (or are) in the military, and they know it’s a big deal. I can often tell who those students are when we are practicing,” Davis said
Senior Arianna McCormick gave her speech titled, “Honor“ about veterans and their sacrifices to our country.
“I was initially taken aback when I was asked to make a speech for the program, but it was an easy task to accept, considering I have family in the military,” McCormick said. “I was really impressed overall with the program this year; I feel like the speeches given by the middle schoolers were really good, and the elementary students did wonderful with their poems and music.”
Some other aspects of the Veterans Day program included a presentation of colors, the pledge of allegiance, a moment of silence, a rifle salute from the VFW Honor Guard, and a playing of “Taps” by band director Ben Ruetten.
“I just think it is so special that this district does this program. When I tell friends or family about the program, they are often in awe that we do this,” Davis said. “I was shocked last year (my first year teaching) by the power of the program, and hope it continues indefinitely.”
