On Nov. 10, the students of Signal Hill Elementary School were treated to an important lesson on those who served the nation’s armed forces with what could become a new tradition at the school — its first ever Veterans Day assembly.
Students from all grades packed the school’s all-purpose room to greet and honor six members of the United States Armed Forces who took some time from their day to visit the school and speak about what their life was like having served their nation.
Principal Sharon Stallings connected veterans’ experiences to the young students’ lives by telling them of those currently serving the in country’s armed forces, as well as the millions who had served in the past and have now returned to civilian lives, possibly as the students’ parents, grandparents, siblings, neighbors or even teachers.
“Today, the school would like to honor and show respect and our gratitude to those family members, to those friends and to others that have served in the military and helped protect our country and make all of us safe,” Stallings said to the students.
Stallings, who once worked as an administrator for Brookdale Community College on the former Fort Monmouth military base and whose husband served in the military, said she hoped the event would allow students to gain a better understanding for veterans.
“Coming from school, I think it gives a different perspective to those stories different from what the family members have said,” Stallings said.
One speaker at the event was Lt. Kristin Leone, a nurse from the U.S. Navy who recently returned from Afghanistan and who has also been a substitute nurse at Signal Hill in the past.
Leone spoke to the students about helping the wounded overseas and said she was more than happy to attend the ceremony because she loved her country and wouldn’t hesitate to help inspire kids to want to one day join the military and serve as she had.
“I’ve done things in the military that have made me a better and stronger person,” Leone said. “It’s given me a lot of opportunity to grow as a person and help other people and do other things.”
Leone also spoke of how only 1 percent of Americans volunteer to serve in the armed forces, and with an even smaller number of women who volunteer, and even fewer still who become officers.
“It’s being part of something that’s bigger than myself and being a role model,” Leone said.
Another speaker at the event was U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Yates, who spoke to the students about his service in field artillery and recruiting.
Yates said he was glad to be a part of the ceremony and show children the important history and tradition of serving in the armed forces.
“I think it is important, especially for students when they’re at a young age and impressionable, to be exposed to this,” Yates said.
Yates said his decision to serve came from a family tradition, and it was very humbling to have so many people thank him or ask to shake his hand when going about his everyday business.
“It’s really humbling to think that people see service members in that light,” Yates said.
In addition to the day’s speakers, students also spoke about the history of Veterans Day, Cub Scout Pack 127 had a flag parade, students performed patriotic songs, and there was a slideshow featuring photos students had submitted of their relatives and family friends who had served.
Stallings also ended the ceremony with one final lesson.
“This is very, very important, because whenever you see military, there’s something you should say to them — it’s thank you for your service,” Stallings said.
