Boothbay Region Elementary School students and staff put on a grand celebration of patriotism in honor of Veterans Day on Friday morning, Nov. 7.

After the school provided breakfast for visiting veterans, everyone gathered in the gym for a series of speeches, a slide show, videos, music, readings, a flag-folding demonstration, and much more – including many instances of thanking veterans for their service.

Assistant Principal Kim Dionne welcomed students, families and veterans while area Girl and Brownie scouts stood behind her.

As seventh grade teacher Soren Barker ran the dual video screens from his laptop, showing the various topics of the readings done by eighth graders, the presentation began with everyone reciting the Pledge of Allegiance after which students talked of the history and meaning behind the Pledge.

After two students explained what a veteran is, a video of second grade students thanking veterans ran on the screens.

Other readings included the history of Veterans Day (formerly Armistice Day), the history of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” our national anthem – which was followed by the BRES chorus, led by music teacher Nancy Cole on piano, leading everyone in the singing of the anthem. The chorus later sang, “We Thank You” by Roger Emerson.

From the bleachers, third graders and teacher Skyler Davis stood and recited the poem, “They Did Their Share.”

More readings by two or three students included the meaning of freedom, the various branches of the military, the history and function of the American Legion and what local Post 36 does and provides, and a personalized “What Veterans Day Means to Me.”

Grades five and six, also from the bleachers, then held up signs they had made thanking veterans for their service, dedication and sacrifice.

The celebration concluded with a presentation on the American flag, its history, what the stars and stripes represent, and a flag-folding demonstration and what each of the 13 folds represents.

“It was great,” said Army veteran Nick Greenleaf as everyone was dismissed. “It was the first time I’ve attended and the students did a great job.”

Hugs and handshakes for the veterans were seen as the students greeted family members leaving for the day and passing by a collage of photos of area veterans.