Brooklyn School Celebrates Veterans
Brooklyn School took the opportunity to honor the service, courage, and sacrifice of military veterans and their families at the building’s annual Veterans Day ceremony on Wednesday, November 11,2026. This year’s ceremony was held in the Brookly High School Gymnasium and those students who were accompanied by a family member who previously served or is currently serving as an active duty service member were seated in a special section at half court.
All branches of the U.S. Armed Forces were recognized individually by playing the official song of each branch. Veterans in attendance stood to be recognized as their branch was announced and were handed flowers by members of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) and the National Junior Art Honor Society (NJAHS). Each veteran present also received several keepsakes created by Brooklyn School students including a personalized button featuring various patriotic designs by members of the NJAHS, a handmade card created by students in the Hurricane Café after-school program and a Veterans Day themed picture colored by a kindergarten student. Members of the NJHS held the flags of each branch of the military, taking a moment to read aloud a summary of the main purpose of each service branch. Additionally, a POW/MIA flag was also displayed along with “The Missing Man Table” in recognition of those men and women who remain missing or prisoners of war. The 5th, 6th, and 7th grade choirs then delivered a powerful performance of God Bless the U.S.A. for the veterans in attendance.
Special remarks were provided by U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Nicholas O’Connor who has served in five combat deployments since enlisting in 2011. Sgt. O’Connor praised the Brooklyn City Schools for the dedication and care it demonstrates on behalf of veterans at each year’s assembly. In addition to sharing about his previous and current roles in the military, Sgt. O’Connor also took time to field questions from students in attendance who wanted to learn more about his experience serving in the Army. He also recruited eight student volunteers to practice standing at attention and performing push ups from the front leaning rest position. Sgt. O’Connor shared that the most difficult part of serving in the military is not the dangerous situations you might face but spending long periods away from your home and family.
Additional remarks were provided by Brooklyn School third grade teacher Ms. Green who shared about her experience serving on a U.S. Navy ship. Ms. Green reminded students that veterans are part of the fabric of our community, as neighbors, coaches, teachers, and family members. She also reminded students that the entire family of a veteran serves, as they must face moving to a new city or school and keep the household running while their loved one is on deployment. Ms. Green encouraged the students in attendance to thank veterans for their service not only verbally or with a heartfelt card, but by honoring the freedoms they protect by being kind and a good friend to others.
The ceremony concluded with a powerful performance of TAPS by trumpeters Alyssa Alberino and Jafet Rodriguez. All students who were accompanied by a special guest enjoyed donuts and refreshments in the high school cafeteria. A special thank you to the many individuals, organizations, and businesses who provided support for this years Veterans Day assembly, including The Military and Veterans Resource Network at American Greetings, Brooklyn BOE President Kelli Krall, Britney Feliciano and Someone Cares to Help, Pawlak’s Florist in Parma, Mr. Rich Hvizdos, and Dunkin Donuts in Brooklyn.
Thank you to the Brooklyn School Veterans Day Committee and all other Brooklyn City Schools staff for their planning, support, and hard work. Finally, thank you to all veterans for their service and sacrifice on behalf of our nation and freedoms!
