Principal Debra Gately and the students at the Dedham Middle School recently paid tribute to our country's veterans. Student Council representatives Amelia Amato, Noah Thakur and Colleen Tuite graciously led the visiting local dignitaries, along with the students, to their places in the school’s auditorium as Ms. Gately began the proceedings.

After Student Councilor Elizabeth Balzarini introduced the honored guests, including State Rep. Paul McMurtry, Dedham Town Administrator William Keegan, police officer Ron Pucci and retired police officer Richard Huyler, Student Councilor Aidan Flaherty recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

Directed by Mr. Jeff Taylor and Mrs. Katie Cervone, the DMS band and choir performed the Star Spangled Banner and America the Beautiful.

Student Councilor Hannah Ryan read of the importance of Veterans Day and how we should never forget all that has been done to keep our country free and safe.

Presentations followed by 1st Lt. Robert Lothrop (ret. U.S. Army) and Sgt. Michael Monaghan (ret. Air Force). Senior VFW Commander Dana McQuaid led the students
in a flag folding ceremony. 

After a speech by Student Councilor Jena Del Rosario on the History of Taps, a heart-warming trumpet solo of the song, performed by DMS seventh grade student
Samuel Levens, left the crowd silent.

As the assembly came to a close, Elizabeth Balzarini thanked the crowd as Aidan Flaherty retired our nation’s colors.

Oakdale Recognized for Supporting Veterans

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick signed a proclamation to Oakdale Elementary School students in recognition of the school’s efforts and participation in honoring veterans. 

It was on Nov. 11, 1918, that participants signed a treaty ending World War I. Since that day, people around the U.S. gather each year on Nov. 11 to pay their respects to our veterans. Currently, there are approximately 385,000 veterans living in Massachusetts.

State Representative Paul McMurtry presented the proclamation to Oakdale principal Holli Armstrong and her students at the Oakdale Elementary School on Thursday, Nov. 10, during a school-wide assembly.

Ms. Armstrong and the fifth grade Student Council proudly displayed the proclamation and read tributes to those brave men and women who put their lives on the line for our freedom.