Ridgefield Public School Students Honor Our Veterans!

“I’d almost say you have to experience the Memorial Day Celebration for yourself,” says Veterans Park Elementary Principal Dr. Sheri Prendergast, who saw the ceremony herself for the first time last year. “It’s a true community event—led by Veterans Park students, recognizing the importance of the day, in song, and with speeches.”

On Tuesday, members of the Veterans Park student council—fifth graders Cora, Ryleigh, Karoline, and Riley and teacher advisors Matthew Hoey and Kelly Rivera—spent their lunch period going over plans for today’s ceremony and discussing the significance of the day to them. “I remember the ceremony from when I was in kindergarten,” says Cora, whose grandfather, retired Lieutenant Colonel of the United States Army John Martin, is coming from Ohio to speak at the event. “I remember the songs and finding my parents in the crowd.”

The students remember connecting with family members, who served in the armed services—grandfathers and great-grandfathers, in particular—about their sacrifices and service. Ryleigh also remembers the songs. “I remember Oh Beautiful’, which the second graders sing with sign language. “I like how even deaf people can understand.” Every year, the third grade sings the Ray Charles classic Fifty Nifty United States, holding up the states in alphabetical order. “I had Ohio,” says one of the girls. Another says, “I had Colorado.”

VPES alum RHS Senior Fiona Carcich is enjoying her senior internship with her former elementary teacher Joy Craig and looking forward to today. “I remember everyone dressed in red, white, and blue,” she says, “And the songs. I remember the students speaking.” She also remembers what state she held up in Fifty Nifty, “Oklahoma!”

Fifth-grader Riley will speak about how Memorial Day means more than just a day off of school. Riley says that she’s comfortable public speaking and has written and given speeches in the past. “We all have,” the council members say, admitting that talking in front of a big crowd can be easier than just a classroom. Riley will also sing the National Anthem with a select VPES chorus. Music teacher Ryan Dunne leads the music portion of the event, and Mr. Hoey reminds the room that retired VPES music teacher Susan Goff returns every year to play Taps.

The speaker, First Selectman Rudy Marconi, Superintendent Dr. Da Silva, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Liz Hannaway, Ridgefield police Chief Jeff Kreitz, and Ridgefield Fire Chief Jerry Myers, are just some of the other expected guests. Anthony Ippoliti from the United States Marine Corps will raise the flag.

A source reports that the Veterans Park Memorial Day celebration might date back to 1972! “It’s certainly been going on for twenty-five years,” says VPES secretary Ann Callahan, who has been at the school that long. Thank you to everyone at Veterans Park and their guests who put on this town-wide celebration of all those who serve, especially those who lost their lives for our freedom. Happy Memorial Day.