Lynn Woods School honors veterans

LYNN – The students, teachers and staff of Lynn Woods School understand how much the U.S. military does for people around the world, so they celebrate Veterans Day early and often.On Friday, the school held a ceremony honoring vets with songs and poetry. Lynn Woods students also had some special help from the Lynn English High School Jr. ROTC, which presented a color guard and drill presentation.”Remember to take the time to reach out and thank a veteran,” Principal Ellen Fritz told students and a crowd of family and friends who came to watch the ceremony.Fritz said a few years ago, not many students had relatives and friends serving in the military. But that has changed.”We went around to the classrooms and asked if anyone knew someone serving in the military and a lot students stood up,” she said.And while Veterans Day is a national day of recognition for vets, Fritz said showing support and appreciation for those in the military is a continual theme at Lynn Woods School. Last week, the school held a Halloween Dance where personal care and convenience items were collected to send to the troops overseas. Fritz said every family brought something to donate.At their special Veterans Day ceremony children in grades 3, 4 and 5 belted out patriotic songs such as “You’re a Grand Ol’ Flag.” They also recited poetry that expressed thanks to all those who serve.”It was a wonderful ceremony, it always is,” said Venita Armstrong, who came to watch her granddaughter Hannah Trahant and her classmates.Bob Greene came to watch his son, Cameron, honor vets with his classmates. For the Greenes, Veterans Day is especially important because Cameron’s cousin, Brian, has been serving in Afghanistan.”Brian has been helping the people of Afghanistan and the people here by getting rid of the Taliban,” said Bob Greene while Cameron nodded in agreement.The Lynn English Jr. ROTC drill team also sent a huge surge of pride through kids and adults at the ceremony. Teachers and school staff were amazed by their poise and maturity. Kids were bowled over when Xavier Rosa and Pedro Tavaez ran through a drill that involved tossing, twirling and tapping rifles with Swiss-watch precision. As they watched, many of the kids kept calling out, “Cool!”Lisa Romero and Joana Medina, both ROTC sophomores, lent a hand with the flags.Romero said the ROTC program was tough and demanding, but the benefits, both personal and professional, are tremendous.”The ROTC is so impressive,” said Fritz, who was happy they were able to help Lynn Woods students show their support for veterans. “My hope is that everyone will have a greater respect for veterans and the work they do.”