Stillwater students honor vets

Stillwater Township Elementary School yard was lined with American flags on Wednesday for the fifth annual Veteran's Day Assembly. Not only does the assembly teach the children about the importance of honoring our veterans, it also means a lot to those who severed to be invited to attend.

Third graders Philip Gely and Zach Saul were selected from Kelly Fryer's class to read poems as part of the ceremony.

“It's exciting to honor our veterans and I look forward to this every year,” Gely said.

Army Major Jamie Michel, who is stationed at Picatinny Arsenal, gave the keynote speech.

“I wanted to highlight some things the military did in World War II other than fighting that were important,” he said. “There are so many veterans out there in our community, and I want the kids to realize that they are there even though they aren't wearing uniforms. It's important to recognize what they did for our country and to thank them.”

Peter Kelm, of Stillwater, served in the Army. He did two tours in Afghanistan and one in Germany.

“This is a great event and it means a lot to be recognized and to see my son and daughter here at the school as well as the community supporting us veterans,” he said.

Larry Metzgar, of Newton, served from 1967 to 1971 in the Coast Guard.

“It's tremendous to get the acknowledgment from the school and for the children to see us veterans in person and learn how we served the country,” he said.

The school's only veteran employee is special education teacher Maureen Riva.

“I served in the Marines from 1995 to 1997,” she said.

She said she's surprised that she is the only veteran at the school but, “There aren't as many female veterans and even fewer who go into education after they've served.”

Riva met her husband, Jeff, through the marines and the couple is proud that their son, Jake, just made a verbal commitment to attend and swim for West Point.

School principal, Marissa Cramer said that the assembly "is a time to stop and reflect on our freedom. The number one way that we can honor our veterans is to show up. That's why we're here: to show up and thank you for your sacrifice and service. This must never be forgotten.”

Throughout the event, a number of children participated with poems and songs, and the entire school was decorated with Veterans Day decorations. The most compelling moment was when the veterans entered the school gymnasium, already packed with students, teachers and staff. As they filed in, everyone exploded into uproarious applause: a true testament to their appreciation.