Assumption School honors veterans

Dominique Pena and Ashley Jeong sing 'Anchors Aweigh' in honor of the United States Navy. Photos by Christian Mysliwiec.

Assumption School in Manchester had class the day after Veterans’ Day, allowing them to hold a ceremony in honor of veterans on Monday, Nov. 12. Veterans from the local community were invited to the event, which featured songs, poems and short presentations by students.

Fifth-grader Edward Powell explained that a red cape does not make a hero, rather it takes selfless dedication. First-graders Nathan Downes and Isabel Taclawan told the audience what a hero means to them – they give without being selfish, and also give for the sake of helping.

Students gave descriptions of each branch of the military. They sang “The Caissons” in honor of the Army, “The Marine's Hymn” for the Marines, and “Anchors Aweigh” for the Navy.

“What makes a veteran special is their willingness to serve their country and their neighbor,” said Father Kevin Cavanaugh, senior chaplain of the Connecticut National Guard. He encouraged each of the students to also exemplify these virtues. “Always be ready to come to your neighbors' assistance in their times of need.”