Stockbridge — One day before Veterans Day, a ceremony held by Berkshire Country Day School on Thursday, Nov. 10 paid thanks to local veterans. Students and several area veterans were at the ceremony that celebrated those who served the country.
Veterans Day is a federal holiday and is officially celebrated on November 11. According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs website, the date of November 11 was chosen to commemorate the end of World War I. It was originally known as Armistice Day when it was first celebrated as an unofficial holiday in November 1919. In 1938, Armistice Day was changed to Veterans Day to honor veterans of all wars. That same year, Veterans Day was designated as a federal holiday.
Several area veterans attended the school’s ceremony, including Vietnam War veterans Robert Williams, Stephen Arto, Robert Miller, along with former Army Staff Sergeant Peter Joyce, and former Army Medic Jason Duffy. “It is so impressive to be appreciated for our service,” Williams said. “For a long time, Vietnam veterans were not respected. It is quite an honor to see young people respect us. I think that everyone should give service to their country. It doesn’t have to be in the military, but I think it sort of builds a whole lot of camaraderie with citizens if you serve the country.”
The event was co-organized by fifth-grade teacher Courtney Steban, along with other members of the school’s faculty and staff. “Veterans Day is a very important day, and I’m not sure all students realize the importance of it,” Steban said. “As a teacher, this event allows us to teach students some of our histories. Honoring the veterans, including our local veterans, makes it meaningful for the students. I hope that when they wake up on Friday and have the day off, they take a minute to think about why they have the day off and of the sacrifices, veterans have made so that we can live and have our freedoms in this country.”
At the event, music and band teacher Michaela Lucas led the school choir in a medley of songs about the armed forces. “I think that through music, people can experience things differently that maybe perhaps they wouldn’t be able to otherwise,” Lucas said. “Being able to sing about our military has inspired the kids to ask about its different branches and what they do. As we practiced the songs, we talked about fighting for our rights and we had some in-depth conversations with our children. I think that’s why it’s important that they are singing these songs, not only for them to understand what the military does, including protecting us and our freedoms, but it also just shows our support for our military.”
Students at the ceremony read written thank you notes showing their appreciation for those who served. One note by school student Abigail reads, “Serving in America is very important to me and America. I’m grateful that you kept America safe during the time you served.”
Another note by student Liam reads, “Dear hero, I am thankful that you keep us safe. Thank you for risking your life to keep us safe. You are the best of the best.”
