Traphagen School celebrates Veterans Day with veteran families

Red, white and blue covered the Traphagen School gymnasium, as they celebrated Veterans Day on Thursday, November 9, 2023. Songs, poems and essays were recited to honor the veterans.  

“Today we honor those who honored our country with its highest form of service,” said Carol Quinones-Dixon, principal at Traphagen School. “To every veteran, to every man and woman who has served, risked their life or lost their life, we thank you. Because you put on the cloth of our nation, America is safer and stronger.”  

Students, led by Music Teacher Charlotte Moore, performed “This Land is Our Land,” and “American Tears.” Several students read poems to recognize the veterans as well.  

“Today at Traphagen is an important day because today we honor veterans,” said Bryce-Thorne Walker, fifth grade student at Traphagen. “If your parents or family members were or are still active in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force or Coast Guard, we want to thank you for protecting the United States and its citizens at home and abroad. We can never repay the debt we owe them, yet they enter service knowing this.”  

Four students read essays detailing how they feel about veterans or their experience with veterans in their families. Kaylie Clayton, fifth grade student at Traphagen, explained what her mom told her about her experience in the military. She talked about how proud she was of her mom and how much her sacrifices have meant to her.   

“Ever since my mother told me she was in the military, I was very proud to be my mother’s daughter,” said Kaylie. “Although I have always wondered how she felt. I am proud to be a veteran's daughter, but most of all, I am proud of my mom.”  

Richard Bullock, Army veteran, was a guest speaker and explained the reasons why he served. He thanked students for all they have done to celebrate veterans. The ceremony ended with veteran family members standing in front of the crowd with their children to be recognized by the whole school for their selfless service.  

“We fought and live for the liberties of America, so you guys can go to school, you can live, you can grow and you can be whatever you want to be,” said Mr. Bullock. “You can be a soldier, and you can have a family. I did get a little choked up (listening to the students' songs) because when we’re out in the fields and we’re fighting, we think about home. We wonder if we’re going to come back or if we’re not. But we still fight, and this is what we fight for.”  

Sandra Lo Presti, speech teacher at Traphagen, closed out the celebration with a rendition of the National Anthem.