This morning Emerson Junior Senior High School commemorated Memorial Day with a ceremony filled with pride, respect, and honor for those who have served and continue to serve our country. Students, faculty, and staff made their way to the front of the building, where they stood and reflected upon its meaning.
Principal Brian Hutchinson’s opening remarks included a brief introduction to the history and significance of Memorial Day, and explained its tradition of honoring our veterans.
Ms. Meghan Correll conducted the members of the band as they played “The Star-Spangled Banner”, and hundreds stood with hands on hearts, and eyes fixed on the flag held aloft by the Honor Guard.
A moment of silence was followed by a first reading, “Memorial Day Order” by Commander in Chief John A. Logan, as delivered by a thoughtful Brielle Schumeyer.
Mr. William Ullman conducted the students in the choir as they sang “Service Medley” – a collection of songs that represent the various branches of the military (Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and Air Force).
“Letter to Mrs. Bixby“, penned by Abraham Lincoln to Mrs. Lydia Bixby, a widow believed to have lost five sons during the Civil War, was then read with solemnity by Nick Giella.
Afterwards, Principal Hutchinson called up the class presidents, and they planted flags at the base of the school’s flagpole in another moment of silence and contemplation.
A third reading, “The Garfield First Official National Decoration Day (Speech Excerpt)”, was read by a respectful Kylie Grompone.
All in all, Principal Hutchinson’s closing remarks provided the ceremony with gravitas and reflection, but there was also hope and a call to action woven into his rhetoric.
As you celebrate this weekend with friends and family, please take a moment to remember those who have sacrificed so much so that we may enjoy the freedoms we have today.
