Although it was a misty cold morning, Deerfield students bundled up and gathered on the field near the giant flagpole to honor Mountainside Veterans for their military service on Wednesday, November 11th. At least twenty-five veterans were greeted with carnations and escorted to their seats to enjoy a 30 minute program which included the raising of the American Flag by Mountainside Boy Scouts, as well as performances by the band and chorus members. Three middle school students, Raymond Li (grade 8), Zachary Glenn (grade 7), and Ella Wolfe (grade 6), read essays entitled “What Freedom Means to Me” to the Veterans. The school was honored to have Congressman Leonard Lance attend the ceremony for a second year. The Congressman captured the students attention with his observations of veterans service during several points of history. Colonel Timothy McLaughlin, Commander of the VFW, thanked the students for inviting the veterans to the school and awarded nine students certificates and generous gifts as the top writers in the local VFW Patriot’s Pen Essay contest. Community organizations such as the Town Council, Police Department, the Elks, Rotary, and the Emergency Squad, also joined with the school to honor the military service of men and women of Mountainside. Mrs. Richards, said, “This ceremony was different from most school assemblies because it was an opportunity for our young people to give back to those who have served our country. It’s our turn to say thank you.”
(above) Veterans with Congressman Leonard Lance and Colonel McLaughlin.
(above) Students created this intricate wreath in honor of Veterans Day
