Duanesburg Elementary School wasn’t able to hold its traditional Veterans Day Ceremony, but students and staff persevered and found a way to make it happen. Local veterans were honored in a drive-through car parade on Tuesday, Nov. 10 as the entire student body waved and cheered from the sidewalk holding handmade signs.
DES was able to uphold many of the elements of its traditional ceremony at the outdoor, socially-distanced event. Students and staff continued a decade-long collaboration with local Marcia Carlson for the benefit of wounded soldiers who are hospitalized overseas. In a week’s time, the school came together under the leadership of the Student Council to coordinate a collection of toiletries and candy that will be donated to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany.
“I’m proud of this,” sixth grade Student Council member Mathew Mulhern said. “We couldn’t have done it without coming together and counting on each other.”
The veterans who attended the parade each received a thank you letter written by DES first graders. Our fourth graders wrote letters that will be sent with the collection to Germany.
“I can always count on DES, year after year,” Carlson said.
We are grateful for the attendance and participation of community members who participated in our program. Retired Air Force veteran and local Justice Norman Miller played “TAPS.” The Saratoga National Honor Guard led a flag folding ceremony.