Williamstown Elementary Holds Concert for Veterans
 American Legion Post 152 Commander Ron James addresses the crowd in the Williamstown Elementary School auditorium on Monday evening. |
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Williamstown Elementary School sixth-graders on Monday evening honored area veterans for their service and learned a lesson about the day celebrated in their honor.
"There's a difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day," explained American Legion Post 152 Commander Ron James to the crowd gathered in the school's auditorium. "On Memorial Day, we celebrate those who perished in defense of our freedoms.
"Veterans Day, we celebrate all the veterans who served our country, no matter how small the task — from the cook to the first-line fighter."
More than two dozen area veterans, including two World War II veterans, were on hand as the the sixth-grade chorus and band presented its inaugural "Tribute to Veterans."
The students played and sang the "Star-Spangled Banner," "America the Beautiful," a medley of armed forces anthems and other patriotic songs under the direction of music teachers Betsy Reali and Margot Sanger.
Girl Scouts from Williamstown and Lanesborough contributed to the festivities by presenting handmade thank-you cards and ribbons to all the veterans in attendance.
James introduced Rolland Roy of Pownal, Vt., and Gordon Morrison of Williamstown, who told the crowd about their contributions in World War II. And he reminded the crowd why all veterans should be honored every day, especially on Nov. 11.
"We remember how men and women set aside their civilian pursuits to serve their nation's cause, defending the freedom of mankind and preserving our precious American heritage," James said. "We believe our strength on the field of battle and on the supply lines which nourished our armed might lay in the justice of our cause against the forces of evil.
"We believe our determination made us better warriors because we fought with our minds and our hearts as well as our bodies. We recognize that service to our country and her great cause does not end with the termination of military service. We continue our endeavors on behalf of the honorable world peace with a feeling of profound gratitude to God and to the men and women who gave their lives as part of the cost of this great, noble cause."
More photos of this event here.
Tags: band, chorus, school program, veterans memorial, veterans services, WES,
