A service brought plenty of patriotic songs in recognition of the nation’s veterans on Nov. 10 in the Key Largo School cafeteria. As part of the Veterans Day celebration, elementary students dressed in red, white and blue took to the stage where they sang in front of a packed crowd of parents, family members and school staff. The school’s honor guard presented the colors as kindergartners recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The school honor band, under the instruction of Susan Bazin, played the national anthem and a number of tunes. Students in grades 1-4 performed “I Love My Country,” “America the Beautiful,” “This Land is Your Land” and “God Bless America” respectively. The school’s safety patrol read the names of veterans with ties to KLS and its students, teachers and staff.
John Donnelly, U.S. Marine Purple Heart recipient, delivered the keynote speech on the significance of military service and sacrifice. He shared personal reflections on his experiences during the Vietnam War, noting how his training and bonds with fellow soldiers prepared him for combat. Donelly concluded the speech by presenting a Purple Heart commemorative coin to Principal Darren Pais.
“On this Veterans Day, let us express gratitude toward our nation’s veterans for their courageous service while recognizing the sacrifices they made, along with acknowledging the role they play in protecting our freedoms,” Donnelly said.
Photos by Jim McCarthy
