From Red Carpet to Recognition: Robb Elementary Honors Veterans with Heartfelt Veterans Day Ceremony
By Emily Wright
LOCK HAVEN— Robb Elementary School welcomed local veterans with open arms this Veteran’s Day, setting the stage for a heartfelt assembly aimed at honoring the brave men and women who have served in the United States military. The event brought together students, staff, and cherished guests in a touching celebration of sacrifice and service, emphasizing respect and gratitude for those who have protected the nation’s freedoms.
As part of the Veterans Day events on Monday morning, Robb Elementary faculty members decorated the front of the school with U.S. flags and rolled out a red carpet for students to stroll along as they proceeded to the main entrance to start their day. When the doors opened at 7:20 a.m., veterans were lined up to greet the students and exchange high-fives.
Many of the students at Robb Elementary have a connection to someone who has served in the military, whether they be a family member or friend. To honor these veterans, the Robb Elementary Veterans Day Committee organized a ceremony and encouraged students to invite them to attend.
The ceremony kicked off at 9:00 a.m. in the school’s cafeteria, which transformed into a space for celebrating patriotism and appreciation as students began to file in. Cub Scout Pack #711 kicked off the event with the Presentation of Colors, which was followed by a stunning rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” sung by Elaine Barth. After the final notes of the National Anthem faded, the youngest attendees— Robb Elementary’s Pre-K students, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Principal Tyler Barth then spoke to the audience of students, faculty, and veterans, offering words that resonated with sincere appreciation and respect: “We are gathered here to recognize and show our gratitude to the men and women who have served in our military: our veterans. Each of you represents courage, dedication, and sacrifice, and it is truly a privilege to have you here with us.”
Principal Barth spoke to the students about the history of Veterans Day and its inclusive recognition of all military service members. He explained that Veterans Day began as a commemoration of the end of World War I when the fighting ceased. “The fighting officially stopped on November 11, 1918, at 11:00 a.m. —The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month,” he said.
Mr. Barth highlighted that Veterans Day was originally named Armistice Day, and it was intended to honor those who served in World War I. However, in 1954, following World War II and the Korean War, the United States renamed it Veterans Day to honor all military veterans, not just those who served in World War I. “Now, every year on November 11, we celebrate and thank all veterans for their service and sacrifices to protect our country,” he said before encouraging students to take a moment to think about what it means to serve others. “The men and women here with us today chose to put others before themselves, standing up to protect us and preserve the values we hold dear,” he said. “Your service made a profound difference in our lives, our country, and our world. Because of you, we can gather here safely to learn together and dream of a brighter future.”
A highlight of the morning was the recognition of two Robb Elementary staff members who are both veterans; Mrs. Kaila Gallagher and Miss Cynthia Rosecrans. They were acknowledged for their service alongside the other veterans gathered on stage in the school’s cafeteria.
Mrs. Mary Casilio, Robb Elementary’s Life Skills Support educator, led the presentation of certificates to recognize veterans in attendance for their service. Certificates were awarded to veterans from various military branches, including the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve, Army National Guard, U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and U.S. Coast Guard, acknowledging their service dates and conflicts. Veterans who could not attend were also recognized for their contributions to our country.
Before presenting the certificates, Mrs. Casilio shared her personal connection to the annual Veterans Day ceremony at Robb Elementary. “This is a very special day for me. When my children attended Robb Elementary years ago, my father would come every Veterans Day to receive a certificate from them, and I’m honored to be presenting the certificates today,” she said.
Throughout the assembly, students from each grade level— Pre-K through 4th grade— expressed their gratitude through song. Directed by Mrs. Teresa Poole, Robb Elementary’s music teacher, their voices lifted in renditions of “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “We Are a Grateful Nation,” to name a few.
The ceremony concluded with the solemn playing of Taps and the Retiring of the Colors, led by Cub Scout Pack #711.
Following the ceremony, veterans gathered at a reception held in the library, where they enjoyed refreshments and took photos with students. The school hallways were transformed into a living gallery, displaying photographs of veterans who couldn’t attend that were submitted by students.
Principal Barth expressed gratitude to the Robb Elementary Veterans Day Committee for organizing the ceremony. “I’d like to give a special recognition and thank you to our Veterans Day committee. Thank you to Mrs. Gallagher, Mrs. Poole, Mrs. Snyder, Mrs. Casilio, Ms. Mosier, and Mr. McCloskey for all of the work they did to put together today’s events.”
Robb Elementary School demonstrated that honoring veterans is more than just an annual event; it is a heartfelt tradition of gratitude, and for students at Robb Elementary, it also serves as a way to teach kids about the importance of service, respect, and freedom.
