‘THANK YOU FOR KEEPING THE COUNTRY I LIVE IN FREE’

Camden-Rockport Middle School honors veterans with personal messages of gratitude

Fri, 11/17/2017 - 9:00am

    CAMDEN — Students at the Camden-Rockport Middle School transformed their weekly assembly on Nov. 9 into a heartfelt tribute to honor veterans, including members of the Camden American Legion Post 30, Legion District 6 Officers, and parents of students and school staff who served in the military.

    CRMS Assistant Principal Matt Smith said the theme of the assembly was gratitude and why the public is grateful for the service and sacrifices of veterans.

    The program began with a color guard from the American Legion presenting the colors, and music teachers Allysa Anderson and Craig Ouellette playing a haunting version of “echo taps” on trumpets from opposite sides of the gymnasium.

    Students representing all of the grades at the middle school lead the program, and stood poised at the podium.

    One student, Greg, said, “we are hoping that we will all leave the assembly feeling gratitude towards those around us, towards our town of Camden and Rockport, our education at CRMS, and, of course, towards our honored veterans.”

    Two custodians at the school, Kevin Kalloch, who served 15 years in the Air Force, and Maggie Massengale, an Army veteran, received standing ovations after their comments.

    American Legion District 6 Chaplain, Dave Franclemont, who represented the veterans, highlighted that the country has 22 million people who served in the military, with 140,000 of them coming from Maine. He also presented the book Korea Reborn, A Grateful Nation as a gift from the American Legion to the school’s library.

    Each class made thank you cards for the veterans in attendance and some of the students read excerpts of their personal messages.

    “You sacrificed your life for others and that takes a lot of courage.”

    “It took great bravery to go into battle.”

    “Thank you for keeping the country I live in free.”

    “You guys are heroes.”

    “Everyone who has served has made a significant impact in the world.”

    “You are an inspiration.”

    At the end of the assembly, the students got to personally shake hands with the veterans, who all stood at the exit doors in the gymnasium.

    But, before the students were dismissed, Nicole had one final message to deliver to the veterans on behalf of the students and faculty.

    “Thank you for your service; we are grateful.”

    Reach Sarah Shepherd at news@penbaypilot.com