To the Editor:

Heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make this year’s Veterans Day celebration at Head O’Meadow School such a wonderful tribute to our veterans! We were honored to have nearly 40 veterans attend our event (family members and family friends of current Head O’Meadow students), representing service in times of both war and peace from all five branches of our nation’s military.

The flag was raised at our event by veteran John Pendergast (Air Force), grandfather to Head O’Meadow student Joshua Curran, while Newtown High School students and brothers Matt and Brian Ingwersen played a beautiful echoing arrangement of “Taps” on their trumpets that followed.

The veterans in attendance and their guests were treated to breakfast courtesy of the Head O’Meadow PTA in the school’s cafeteria, made possible in part with donations from Caraluzzi’s and Big Y.  During the breakfast, the veterans introduced themselves and noted their branch of service, assignments, and years served. Veterans attending this year represented many major conflicts of the modern age, includ-ing World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, and efforts in both Afghanistan and Iraq.  Their assignments spanned numerous specialties and locations, and their accomplishments included an array of awards and designations.  Many of our veterans came in military dress or wore items reflecting their branch of service.

At the event, our guests enjoyed a slideshow of photographs of veterans near and dear to the hearts of Head O’Meadow students and staff, as well as a very special performance of patriotic songs by Head O’Meadow’s fourth grade chorus under the direction of music teacher Cynthia Holberg. 

It gives us great joy at Head O’Meadow to continue this cherished tradition of honoring our veterans.  We are thrilled that so many veterans were able to join us and look forward to seeing them again on Veterans Day next year. 

Kristen Mattera and Karen Curran

Head O’Meadow PTA

Veterans Day Breakfast Co-Chairs

Head O’Meadow, 94 Boggs Hill Road, Newtown         November 11, 2015