by Bea Peterson
On Friday, November 9, the Hoosick Falls high school auditorium rocked with song as the Elementary School held its traditional Veterans Day assembly. Mrs. Burdick’s third grade class stood in the hallway with American flags in hand as all the classes entered the auditorium. Burdick’s class carried the flags to the stage and placed them in stands.
Later each student in the class told a piece of the history of Veterans Day, which began in 1918 as Armistice Day. Teachers Michelle Culver and Leslie Green sang the “Star Spangled Banner.” Veterans Walt Zwinge, Kevin Miller, Jr. and Tony Hayes told of their time in the service. Teacher Bill Brown also related his military experience as a musician in Germany. Afterwards, he played Taps. Elementary music teacher Ray Connolly led all the students in the singing of several patriotic songs including “This Land is Your Land,” complete with hand signs. The assembly, spearheaded by Burdick, is a joint effort of all the elementary school staff. The program, with the children singing patriotic songs and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, is always very moving for everyone involved.
Elks
The national Elks Club has put together a video of sights and scenes of America accompanied by the song “Proud To Be An American.” Burdick, an active Elks member, had the excellent video to show as part of the assembly.
