News

November 11, 2015

Brown School Ceremony Honored Local Veterans and Families of Those Currently Serving

Brown School opened their doors to the community to honor both local veterans and those currently serving in the armed forces during a special ceremony. The school has been doing this for a number of years and it has become a very popular and touching event for the community. Among those honored: John and Karen McKenna whose son Captain John McKenna IV was killed in the line of duty.

Brown School takes special care to prepare for the school-wide and community event which involves songs and special honors within a ceremony dedicated to the patriotic theme of the day. They also have a meaningful fundraising element. Students raised money for an organization coined “Pets for Patriots” that pairs pets from local animal shelters with Veterans. Students walked laps and for each one completed had the opportunity to throw their own coins into a bucket. Over $400 was raised in one day. This effort was highlighted at the ceremony. Head of School Patricia Vitale said, “At Brown School we believe in supporting the community which surrounds us. Our school community has adopted both Veterans issues and animal welfare as causes we can stand behind as a group. This is a powerful lesson for our students and staff. It’s about giving back.”

In addition, students in third through fifth grade are decorated pillowcases they will fill with candy to send to those serving overseas.

Another group honored at the Veterans Day ceremony included the Blue Star Mothers. Faculty and staff raised funds to support this group.

Local veterans were invited to join the all-school assembly. Students were also encouraged to bring veteran guests. Jonina Wilkins, a Brown School music educator, worked with the children for months leading up to the event to learn meaningful patriotic songs.

Brown School holds this community-wide event every year. Vitale said, “At Brown School we teach our students to be mindful of themselves within the community. We strive to have good relationships with those all around us. We are excited to connect our students with Veterans and honor all they have done for our country.”

Veterans Day is an annual U.S. holiday honoring military veterans. A federal holiday, it is observed on November 11. It is also celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world.