Ogdensburg hosts Veterans Assembly

VERNON — Ogdensburg School held its fourth annual Veteran’s Day Assembly on Tuesday, Nov. 10, and honored about 33 veterans.

The assembly began with a “Parade of Veterans” and a “Posting of Colors” by the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Superintendent David Astor welcomed the veterans, their families and the school community. Eight students were chosen to read their Veteran’s Day essays, Hannah Lawley, Anthony Walsh, Jennifer Roth, Samantha Opilla, Isabella O’Neill, Morgan Washer, Jade Lally, and Alexia Sexton.

Hannah Lawley, a fifth-grade student, proudly spoke about her family’s dedication to the Armed Forces. Her mother, Emily Van Buren, was in the Air Force for 15 years and was deployed to both Qatar and Kuwait. She is still in the Reserves. Hannah’s father, James Lawley, is in the Air Force and deployed in Afghanistan. Hannah’s stepfather, David Bowden, served in the Army for nine years. He was also deployed twice, to Bosnia-Kosovo and Iraq. He was part of Operation Phantom Fury. During the assembly, students awarded veterans with medals and Hannah was able to place a medal on her mother and stepfather.

Daniel Colfax, the keynote speaker, is a retired Corporal of the U.S. Marine Corps. He received a Presidential Unit Citation for his service. Colfax spoke about how even after veterans have returned from war or active duty, they never stop caring about the safety of those around them.

The assembly ended with the junior chorus singing patriotic songs and a visual presentation to honor the veterans and their families. After the assembly, refreshments were served in the library.