Perry Hall Elementary Kicks Off Memorial Day
A patriotic crowd celebrated outside the Belair Road school on Friday.
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(UPDATE: 10 a.m., May 26)—On any other day, international conflicts may be the furthest things from the minds of Perry Hall Elementary students.
Friday was an exception, when community leaders and veterans spoke to children during a Memorial Day program, and a wreath was displayed at the Perry Hall World War II memorial.
"It's important to explain to kids the price that was paid for them to be free and go to school," said veteran Paul Watson, commander of the Overlea-Perry Hall American Legion Post.
"To be able to expose kids to our experiences, it's a great thing," said veteran Paul Wolod, second vice commander at the American Legion.
Daphne Tholen, a fifth-grader who played the flute during the program, said her participation was an emotional experience.
"Hearing everyone singing the 'Star-Spangled Banner,' I was almost crying because I could really feel the meaning of Memorial Day," she said.
"It was cool that all the veterans came and we got to see someone who served in World War II," added fifth-grader Julianne Johnstone.
Tyler Probst, another fifth-grader, who played trombone during the program, said he felt a debt of gratitude to the former soldiers who spoke to them.
"They've done this great service to us, and today, we got to do a little something for them," he said.
Dennis M. Robinson, Jr., president of the Perry Hall Improvement Association, said the annual event has become a staple of his Memorial Day celebration.
"I cannot think of a better way to celebrate Memorial Day than being in the presence of local veterans and listening to children belt out patriotic songs. No matter how patriotic you are, anyone who attends this event has to be even more patriotic when they leave," Robinson said.
He added: "Please remember that Memorial Day is about more than cookouts. It is a time to thank veterans whom we owe for the numerous freedoms we enjoy and to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Tell us about the people you're celebrating and remembering this Memorial Day in the comments.
In This article
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Perry Hall Elementary School
9021 Belair Rd, Nottingham, MD -
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American Legion Overlea-Perry Hall Post #130
8666 Silver Lake Dr, Perry Hall, MD -
Paul Amirault
5:13 pm on Friday, May 25, 2012
Let us sincerely appreciate those of us who have served, those of us whose parents and siblings have served. Those who complain about the benefits received by veterans should simply shut up or go stand a post on behalf of your country. I am simply made ill by those who complain about our country and will be the first to say let someone else bear arms while they embrace the benefits as a result of the sacrifices some of us have made. Simply disgusting.
David Marks
5:14 pm on Friday, May 25, 2012
Congratulations to the Perry Hall Improvement Association and Perry Hall Elementary School for another wonderful Memorial Day Ceremony. This is now the 14th such event.
I attended this event very briefly this morning, as well as patriotic assemblies at Harford Hills and West Towson Elementary Schools. It was great to observe the young students who understand the sacrifice made by our veterans and the value of service to our country. I wish everyone a memorable Memorial Day weekend.