The third graders at in Wantagh gathered for an assembly on November 10 to listen to six veterans, four from the , explain about Veterans Day and the American flag.
The two other veterans were each a grandparent of a student in the third grade: Vincent Curran, a Vietnam vet, is the grandfather of Shannon Smith. Nick Scarmozzinno is Cole Gavin’s grandfather and he served during the Korean War.
Forest Lake Principal Maureen Goldberg told the three third grade classes that her father had fought for the U.S Army in World War II and in the Korean War
“Veterans Day was always a very important day in my family, remembering all that veterans had done for our country," said Goldberg.
One of the veterans, Mark Greaker, told the students, “We are trying to get around to all the schools in the area. We picked your grade because you guys are growing up. We want to educate you so you can educate everyone else.”
The children learned when the flag was created (1776); who made it (Betsey Ross); and how to dispose of, display and fold a flag. They were told that everyone has to show respect for the flag because it is a representation of our country and how many people have fought and died for it.
The veterans enjoyed telling the children a little bit about themselves, how they ended up serving in the military and what their experience was like. The students asked questions and enjoyed sharing cupcakes and cookies with the veterans after the presentaton.
