Veterans’ Day In NHS

Was Time Well Spent

To the Editor:

I would like to thank The Bee for covering the fifth annual NHS Veterans’ Day program. This year’s program was significant because it took place on Veterans’ Day.

Over the last few weeks I have noticed varying viewpoints regarding school being in session on Veterans’ Day. Although I do not claim to have the right answer, I feel the assembly was time well spent in school. For those unaware, the event consisted of a catered lunch by the NHS culinary students for over 50 local veterans, an assembly for over 800 students, performances by the 102d Army Band, the NHS Concert band, NHS students Andrew Nichols and Hannah DeFlumeri, remarks by Dr Janet Robinson, and a phenomenal guest speaker who, as a US Army Veteran fluent in German and Arabic, was directly involved in the hunt for Al Qaeda in the days immediately following 9/11. Our speaker grew up locally and the audience was truly in awe of his remarks. It is not easy to hook 800 teenagers in a speech about service and sacrifice, but he did it and our students are better off because of that.

Additionally, the most important parts of the assembly were the thunderous rounds of applause recognizing the veterans. At various points of the assembly, veterans, some of whom are NHS staff members, were asked to stand and be recognized. The ovation for the World War II veterans went on for well over a minute. Veterans also stood to demonstrate pride in their service branch as the 102d Army Band and NHS Band performed “Armed Forces Salute,” which is a compilation of all service songs. The attendance of the 102d Army Band was an added bonus this year. The 102d has performed for President Reagan, Queen Elizabeth, and traveled worldwide entertaining soldiers and civilians. NHS Alumnus Chris Espy is a member of the 102d.

My purpose in pointing this out is not to advocate any particular point of view regarding the school day, as I am certain that despite whatever is done to honor veterans there will still be those who feel November 11 is another day to advertise sales at local retailers. I, too wore “the uniform” and should school be in session again on November 11, the veterans of this community have my word that their legacy is fully recognized by the high school community in a manner that promotes “civic responsibility” as noted in the mission of Newtown Public Schools.

And it reflects the words of Sir Edmund Burke when he said, “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.”

Finally, I would like to thank all those who contributed to the success of this event, especially all the veterans who attended. I engaged many of you in thoughtful conversations regarding the importance of this annual event and about service to our great Republic. I look forward to seeing you all again in the future.

Regards,

Scott Clayton

NHS Assistant Principal

12 Berkshire Road, Sandy Hook                             December 2, 2009