Oak Hill Veterans Day 2017
On November 8th, Oak Hill Academy students, staff, and parents carried on its tradition of honoring veterans during the school’s 17th annual Veterans Day program. Over 100 students in Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade performed by creating various tributes, doing dramatic readings, choreographing dance ensembles, and playing instruments. Alumni students came back to perform, as well as, a professional brass duo, and the Christian Brothers Academy Pipes and Drums.
Patrice Murray, Director of Personnel/Administration, organized the annual program. Each year, she chooses a theme that will educate the students on a different aspect relating to the service of our veterans.
The United States Marine Corp Color Guard, 25th Logistic Battalion, presented the colors at the opening of the program, with the Kindergarten leading the school in the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance and under the direction of Mr. Justin Ryan, led all those in attendance in singing the “Star Spangled Banner.”
This year, the themes were “History of Navajo Code Talkers”, “A Christmas Truce”, “History of the Tuskegee Airmen,” “Flag Raising at the Boardwalk,” and “Wreaths Across America” amongst the traditional core themes of “Who is a Veteran,” and the “History of Veterans Day”.
Miss Murray’s brain child came to be in November of 2001 after the tragic events of September 11. She decided that we (as a school) should recognize and honor those in the military who fought, and are still fighting, for our freedom and protection.
Veterans who were in attendance were recognized throughout the program. As each veteran arrived, they were given a Star from the Blue Star Mother’s group with a statement regarding Veterans Day and what it symbolized.
Finally, Patrice Murray asked that each veteran stand and be recognized. She said, “We salute you, we thank you.”
The Veterans Day program has become an important tradition at Oak Hill Academy. The youngest generation is learning about all of our veterans and the greatest generation, too. They have learned to honor, respect and revere those in uniform.
The playing of “Taps” along with a moment of silence concluded the program.
