WSES Commemorates Veteran's Day 2020 with Flag Raising Ceremony
With the COVID-19 pandemic preventing WSES from holding its traditional Veteran's Day assembly, WSES instead commemorated the day with a flag raising ceremony. Despite a steady rain, numerous families from the community gathered to recognize the service and sacrifices veterans and their families make in support of our nation. WSES' principal, Dr. Kelly Sheers, kicked off the event saying,
Today we welcome and celebrate the many veterans in our community and beyond. They have the courage to step forward and serve our nation, many of them making sacrifices to do so. Throughout this Nation’s history, our military men and women have bravely answered the call to defend our freedom, our friends and allies, and to turn back aggressors. We can never fully repay our debt of gratitude, however, we can recognize and thank the 25 million veterans living today and our WSES military families.
The ceremony began with the raising of the American flag by the Honor Guard from Scout Troop 1853 and a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance,. West Springfield High School band members played Taps, followed by a moment of silence in remembrance of those service members who have given their lives for our country. The ceremony also included a special performance of The Star Spangled Banner led by WSES' own music teacher, Sarah Sullivan, and a poetry reading by WSES students in recognition of our veterans. Assistant Principal Satonya Dews closed the ceremony, saying,
Today, it is our privilege to say 'thank you' to all of our American veterans and WSES military families, to let you know that we appreciate you for your service and honor you for your sacrifices.
