The patriotic Town of Islip celebrates Veterans Day in esteemed fashion, with an official Town ceremony held at the American Legion Rusy Bohm Post 411 across the street from Town Hall.
The event was attended by Supervisor Angie Carpenter (R-West Islip) and other Town officials.
On behalf of the members of the Islip Town Board, we extend a heartfelt thank you to our Veterans here in Islip and throughout this great nation for all you have given to our country,” said Supervisor Carpenter. “Thank you to Rusy Bohm Post 411 for organizing such a beautiful ceremony recognizing all our Veterans. On this Veterans Day, we remember your service and sacrifice. God bless all our Veterans and God bless the United State of America.”
Meanwhile, throughout the Town of Islip, various schools held their own celebrations and ceremonies.
Beach Street Middle School in the West Islip School District held a “heroes for heroes” luncheon for invited veterans of Beach Street students on November 9 in honor of Veterans Day. Students and their special guests had time to connect as they shared lunch together. The Beach Street chorus performed “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and the members of the band and chamber orchestra also played patriotic songs during the celebration.
Following lunch, students lined the hallways with flags and signs of thanks as the Veterans marched through the building. As part of the assembly, the video production club shared an appreciation video for the Veterans.
Udall Road Middle School in the West Islip School District showed its appreciation for Veterans at their annual Veterans Day breakfast on November 6. The school hosted local Veterans who are friends and family of Udall Road students for breakfast and to spend some time together.
Udall Road Principal Daniel Marquardt welcomed guests to the event prior to the select chorus performing “God Bless America.” Students created handmade cards to present to the guests and recognized their service by showing a thank-you video that featured Udall Road students. Before the conclusion of the ceremony, the Veterans walked the building for a “clap out” from all students and staff members at Udall Road, waving flags and thanking them for their service.
Connetquot High School’s campus was lined with hundreds of American flags on November 9 as the school held its second annual Flags of Honor ceremony.
Community members were invited to purchase a flag in honor of a Veteran and to raise funds for local Veterans’ charities. Through this initiative, the school raised $2,400. The funds were awarded to both Paws of War, an organization that provides veterans with service and support dogs rescued from kill shelters, and the Specialist Matthew Baylis Memorial Fund which provides scholarships to veterans or children of veterans who need financial assistance with either college tuition or the cost of trade school.
The ceremony was punctuated by patriotic performances from the Connetquot High School wind ensemble. Students Elizabeth Smith, Tessa Dolinger, Hailey Priemer, and Samantha DeLuca sang “God Bless America,” and student Nicholas Marotta gave the Veterans Day address. There were also several recognitions for the guests of honor made by students Ashley Merz, Devin Elster and Assistant Principal Lauren Neckin.
