To the Editor:

Heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make this year’s Veterans Day celebration at Head O’ Meadow such a wonderful tribute to our veterans! We were honored to have over 30 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 branches of our nation’s military.

The entire Head O’ Meadow staff and student body began Veterans Day outside surrounding our school’s flagpole. The flag was raised by veteran Bob Anderson, grandfather to Head O’ Meadow students Christopher and Maggie Mattera while Newtown High School student and All State musician Amy Alexander played “Taps” on her trumpet, and Head O’ Meadow music teacher Cindy Holberg led all those in attendance with the singing of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.”  The hundreds of voices in unison with our veterans encircling the American flag for the flag raising made for a very moving tribute.

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 breakfast, the veterans introduced themselves and noted their branch of service, assignments, deployments, and years served. Veterans attending this year represented many major conflicts of the modern age, including World War II, Vietnam, the Gulf War, and efforts in both Afghanistan and Iraq.  A large world map on display noted where all of the veterans in attendance had served. 

Many of our veterans came in military dress and wore their medals, which was a sight to behold for both our students and staff. Attendees of the breakfast were also treated to a patriotic sing-a-long by Mike Giarrantano, retired US Army and Head O’Meadow grandparent, on his guitar. Head O’ Meadow partnered with non-profit Billy’s Baseballs, signing and decorating baseballs with messages of encouragement and thanks that will be sent overseas to troops.  Each veteran in attendance received a star from the Stars for Our Troops Program, made possible through the Major Stuart Adam Wolfer Institute in which retired American flags’ stars are cut and given to veterans as a token of appreciation. Head O’ Meadow Principal Barbara Gasparine and Head O’ Meadow Lead Teacher Carol Danenberg each offered remarks expressing our gratitude to veterans and the importance of instilling in our students an appreciation to those who have served in our nation’s military. Dignitaries from our local government, school district, and the local VFW post were also in attendance.

Head O’ Meadow is very proud of our tradition of honoring the veterans who are near and dear to our students’ hearts.  We thank all those who have served and continue to serve our nation and admire the example of strength, bravery, and courage you set for our young students. We are thrilled that so many of you were able to join us and look forward to seeing you again on Veterans Day next year.

Kristen Mattera and Karen Curran

HOM PTA Veterans Day Breakfast Co-Chairs

94 Boggs Hill Road, Newtown                     November 11, 2014