Little Britain honors veterans during annual breakfast

The sidewalks of Little Britain Elementary School were lined with patriotic artwork, as well as students and staff cheering for veterans, saying ‘thank you,’ showing their gratitude as they walked into the building for the school's Veteran’s Day Breakfast on Friday morning. Click here to see photos from the day! 

This annual event, organized by the Little Britain Parent Teacher Organization, recognizes those who fought for our country and the ultimate sacrifice veterans have made. 

Little Britain has many military families, honoring them in a variety of ways year long. One way is through the military mailbox, where students can write letters to soldiers throughout the school year. To read more about this initiative, click here. 

Friday morning started off with veterans being welcomed by more students and staff once they entered the building. Little ones waved homemade signs and pom-poms to show their appreciation as veterans settled into the cafeteria. Making their way to the buffet, there was an arrangement of baked goods, fruit, juice and coffee for guests to enjoy. 

The ceremony started off with a word from Principal Dr. Christopher Barrie, who highlighted the importance of celebrating Veteran’s Day, and how it is a reminder that freedom is not free.

“Today, we gather not just to recognize a holiday, but to honor a legacy. A Legacy of courage, determination, and unwavering devotion to our nation’s ideals,” Dr. Barrie said. “Veterans Day is so much more than a date on the calendar. It is a symbol, a reminder of the strength and sacrifice that have protected our freedoms and preserved the values that make America what it is today.” 

The masters of ceremonies for the event were fifth graders Noah Larrinaga and Aiden Dilone, who started off by introducing the fourth and fifth grade chorus, who gave a special performance led by music teacher Devin Cassidy. 

Fourth graders Lia Levy and Mikayel Abdul-Jabbar read their essays about Veteran’s Day to the audience. Both speeches highlighted what students have been learning in school, such as the different military branches and the importance of honoring Veterans.

“Veteran’s Day is celebrated on November 11th because in 1918, World War I ended on November 11th on the 11th hour and that's how we got our freedom,” Mikayel said while reading his essay to the audience. “After this day, military members continued to train and fight for our country in many ways. In class, we learned about the different military branches.”

Displayed at the event was a Missing Man Table, honoring fallen and missing soldiers. All items on the table symbolize hope and empathy for those who haven’t made it home. Parent Mike Vicci stood next to the masters of ceremonies and read what each item represented on the table. 

“The table honors the men and women who served in America's armed forces,” Mr. Vicci said. “The table is round to show our everlasting devotion and concern for our fallen and missing comrades. The cloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call of duty.”

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Larry Washington, took a moment to address the audience and thank veterans at the event for their service. He commemorated veterans for being able to juggle military duties while doing a phenomenal job raising the next generation. 

The ceremony concluded outside, where a local Boy Scout troop changed the flag outside of Little Britain Elementary School. The New Windsor Color Guard and local Girl Scouts were also present to support one another while closing out the event. 

“It’s a wonderful thing to see young Americans,” said Robert Ferraioli, a veteran and grandfather of a fifth-grader at Little Britain. “There’s probably no absentees today. This is a wonderful event to participate in, I also attended last year and had a wonderful time.”