NEWS

Warwick Neck Elementary students learn the meaning of Veterans Day

By KRISTEN ROY
Posted 11/16/22

When former Mayor and retired RI Supreme Court Justice Frank Flaherty was asked to attend a Veterans Day event at Warwick Neck School, he thought he was going to address a class and answer …

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NEWS

Warwick Neck Elementary students learn the meaning of Veterans Day

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When former Mayor and retired RI Supreme Court Justice Frank Flaherty was asked to attend a Veterans Day event at Warwick Neck School, he thought he was going to address a class and answer students’ questions. To his surprise, he found the school assembled outside and that he would be delivering the keynote address.

“If there is one word that I can think of that is common to people who have served in all the branches in the military is that small four word ‘duty,’” said Flaherty, who served in the Army and was in combat in Vietnam. “These people gave up part of their lives some of them all of their lives the rest of their lives to come forward and serve their country. Not all veterans gave up their lives. There is a saying in the military “’Some gave all, but all gave some.’”

Flaherty rhetorically asked the assembly “was it worth it?”

“On a smaller scale most of us to think it was worth it. You grew up. You learned in the service. Doing something means getting it done or there are consequences. But the biggest reason we know it was worth it is we come to a ceremony like this and we see children, students who have the freedom to be educated the freedom to do whatever they want to do in life the freedom to go wherever they want to go in life and know that in some small way we had a part in that,” Flaherty said.

He added that in some small way veterans have made this country great so young people can make it even greater.

The school’s annual Veterans Day Celebration was held for the second year at Warwick Neck Elementary; it was previously held at the Warwick Neck Lighthouse. Warwick Neck resident Jack Henriques, whose great-grandfather John Henriques founded the Coast Guard Academy in 1876, started the observance.

 “We are home of the free because of the brave,” said Jonathan Knight, President of the Warwick Neck Improvement Association in his opening remarks.

Fifth graders Tanner Wakeman and Aundrea Gemma served as emcees and Cub Scout Pack 1 and Girl Scout Troop 79 presented the colors.

Monsignor Mark Rowan, a Chaplain Colonel in the United States Air Force, provided a military invocation followed by Mayor Frank Picozzi, Judge Flaherty, Representative Solomon, Knight and members of the Warwick Neck Improvement Association, Fire Chief Peter McMichael, Police Colonel Bradford Connor as members of the Warwick Police and Fire Department and members of the United States Coast Guard and military.

Mayor Picozzi thanked the veterans and their families.

“Freedom isn’t guaranteed. We owe them a debt that can’t be paid,” he said.

Under the direction of Kristy Procaccianti, fifth graders performed “On Veterans Day.”

“All the memories that have come from now and the past have led to our gratitude and freedom that may last,” reflected fifth grader Robert Defusco in his poem “Freedom that may last.”

“Thank you for your service and bravery too, also for protecting the red white and blue. There are many more reasons why we want to thank you. Our liberty is enjoyed with credit to you,” read Hailey Hayes in her poem “Reflection.”

Tanner and Aundrea read the names of 94 veterans who have served and are still alive, have served and died of natural causes and those who were killed in action. Attendees then listened as fourth and fifth graders of WNES sang “Veterans March” and “Grateful Nation” while proudly waving miniature American flags.

Principal Frank Galligan thanked veterans and the event’s speakers.

Aristia McLaughlin, a member of the United States Coast Guard greeted attendees and explained that her father’s service in the Navy, USCG PO3, inspired her to join the Coast Guard two years ago.

“[I’m] proud to be a part of a service that serves the people of the United States, protects them, defends them and saves them,” said McLaughlin.

USCG Lt. Natalie Cordes added that joining the Coast Guard was the best decision she ever made and quoted John F. Kennedy: “As we express our gratitude we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them,” read Cordes.

WNES third graders sang and signed “America” under the direction of Procaccianti. Monsignor Rowan returned to deliver a military benediction followed by Tanner and Aundrea closing the program. When asked why they volunteered to emcee this Veterans Day Celebration Tanner said “because I like being a leader. I know I can lead.”

Aundrea Gemma added her reasoning.

“For veterans that serve us. It is great we have freedom now,” she said with a smile.

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