Veterans Day is a day (November 11) when we honor all those who have ever served or are presently serving our country in the military. There are 5 branches of the military which is also called the armed services. The 5 branches are: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and the Coast Guard. Members of the military are often sent to other countries to help protect our country and to help people in other countries in times of emergencies, like hurricanes or earthquakes. They bring the people medical supplies, food and water. When service members are sent away, it is called being deployed. When they have to go away ( or are "deployed"), they can be away for six months, a year or even more. There are a few different ways that you can help honor the men and women who have served our country.
1. Attend the “HOMES FOR HEROES” ribbon cutting ceremony this Sunday, November 10, on Western Highway at the intersection of Independence Avenue in Tappan. “HOMES FOR HEROES” are newly built homes specifically designed for injured veterans. Students are asked to arrive at 12:30 p.m. wearing their red WOS school spirit shirts (or any red shirt); the ceremony begins at 1:00 p.m. WOS students have already signed outdoor banners designed by the Vetiquette© program which welcome veterans to their new homes.
2. Donate candy to the “CANDY COLLECTION FOR THE TROOPS”. Starting Tuesday, November 12, students can bring candy to school to place in bins in the WOS lobby. Vetiquette© volunteers will deliver the candy to The Marine Corps League of Rockland who will ship it to our active troops in Afghanistan. When brave soldiers are deployed far from their homes and loved ones, a little candy can brighten their day. Candy can be donated through Thursday, November 14th.
3. Write a card for a service member currently deployed to tell them how much you appreciate their sacrifices and dedication to keep our country safe. You can enter your card in the “Lieutenant Colonel Michael Murphy Card Contest” sponsored by the Vetiquette© program. The rules: 1. Express your gratefulness to a soldier for their perseverance under difficult circumstances while deployed. 2. The card can be a drawing, words, or both. 3. The card must say “Thank You” and be signed by the student. Cards are due to your teacher no later than Thursday November 21, 2013. Awards will be presented to the top 3 cards that best reflect appreciation on Wed. November 27. (Michael Murphy grew up in Blauvelt and overcame many obstacles in school to achieve his dream of becoming a Marine Corps pilot. He died in an Osprey helicopter accident in 2006)
If you have any questions or to volunteer for the Vetiquette© committee, contact Maureen Kelly at email: vetiquette2013@gmail.com.