Saint Brigid School (SBS) students celebrated Veterans’ Day on Friday, November 8, promptly at 8 :10 a.m. with an outdoor flag raising ceremony and an in-school performance presentation.
The flag pole was previously dedicated in memory of fallen U.S. Army veteran, SBS alumnus class of 1961, and decorated Vietnam war hero, Thomas Hill.
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Along with recognizing Hill, faculty and students also highlighted the contributions of SBS staff members who served in the U.S. Army, Pre-K 3 teacher Antonietta Roy and Facilities Engineer John Martin.
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At the outdoor ceremony, surrounded by SBS students, Vietnam veteran and SBS alum class of 1962, John Martin and his grandson Shaun Martin, Jr., a SBS third-grade student, did the official honor of raising the American flag. The flag was raised in honor and as a thank you to all United States military personnel who have valiantly served our country in times of war and in peace.
Former U.S. Army Sergeant Martin stated enthusiastically, “No two ways about it! I am proud to be an American and proud to have served my country! I am even prouder to share this moment with my grandson, who now attends Saint Brigid - the same school that I graduated from. It doesn’t get any better than this.”
This tribute was organized by sixth-grade teacher Kathy Johnson. “Our Veterans Day program is meant to teach our students what the holiday is really all about. To show further appreciation for the contributions of our veterans, students wrote letters of gratitude.”
The letters were presented to Judith Barnes, past department president of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Barnes is also a volunteer at the Verterans Home in Rocky Hill.
Reflecting back on her years as an Army Medic Roy said, “I am proud of my experience with the Army. It taught me you can be anything you want. It’s all up to you. It is definitely a lesson I want to pass on to a younger generation of girls.”
“In this day and age it is important that our students know the significance of the sacrifices people have made to keep our country safe. I am very thankful that St. Brigid students get to see that right here in their midst there are past and present, staff and alumni, who have served in the armed services,” stated Principal Shevon Hickey.
Saint Brigid School is proud to celebrate 50 years of strong academics, Catholic values and enriched cultural diversity. SBS is a full-time faith based educational program committed to educating the needs of students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. St. Brigid is located at 100 Mayflower Street in West Hartford, Connecticut. For more information or to arrange a tour call: (860) 561-2130, ext. 104, or visit us at www. saintbrigidschool.org.
