Students at Duanesburg Central School District (DCSD) celebrated Veterans Day a little early, with a celebration honoring local veterans on the campus of the elementary school Tuesday morning.
Nearly 20 veterans attended the celebration. Cheering students lined the bus circle holding handmade signs and waving American flags, as veterans and their loved ones drove decorated vehicles past them in a parade format.
“The Veterans Day parade is one of my favorite events of the year,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. James Niedermeier said. “This tradition gives us an opportunity to teach students about the sacrifices of veterans and celebrate the people in our community who keep us safe.”
The Duanesburg High School band, under the directions of Scott Hopkins, performed patriotic songs throughout the ceremony. Student Council members recited passages about the history of Veterans Day and announced the names of 14 Duanesburg graduates who are currently serving in the Armed Forces. They also presented items that were collected for wounded service members who are recuperating at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany.
“Taps” was performed by Norman Miller, who was joined by other members of the Saratoga National Honor Guard for a traditional Folding of the Flag ceremony.
The Duanesburg PTA greeted each veteran in their vehicle and presented them with breakfast-in-a-bag, including cookies and bagels donated from Bagels and Bakes in Rotterdam, pastries donated from Panera Bread in Albany, juice, water, fresh fruit and hot coffee from Stewarts. Each veteran also received an American flag lapel pin courtesy of Mary-Clare Waltz, music teacher at Duanesburg Elementary School and organizer of the district’s annual Veterans Day celebration.
Please go to the Duanesburg Central School District’s Facebook page to see more pictures from this year’s Veterans Day ceremony.