LIBERTY - On Dec 2, the students and staff at Sullivan BOCES held a complimentary brunch to honor Sullivan County’s veterans.
Dr. Robert M. Dufour, District Superintendent at Sullivan BOCES, officially started the event by welcoming the group and thanking them for their service. Catherine Crespo, a senior from the Liberty CSD, led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Nathaniel Perry, a senior from the Fallsburg CSD, addressed the attendees by welcoming and thanking each veteran for their service. He also described how the students at BOCES made gifts to show their appreciation.
The students’ efforts didn’t stop there. The senior class also sold flags in honor or memory of someone who has served to raise over $575 for local veteran organizations. Students in the career & technical education programs also participated in the event. The culinary arts students prepared the delicious brunch, the welding program created a beautiful wall art that honored our veterans, and the early childhood and natural resources programs created the centerpieces for the tables.
“It’s nice to have young kids come up to you and say Thank you for your service,” said Jim Hammond, Vietnam veteran.
For the senior class at BOCES, the brunch not only honored the veterans. It created a platform for each of the students to learn. Throughout the brunch, the students spoke to and interviewed the veterans to understand better who they are as individuals and hear what these heroes have done to protect our nation. For students like Nathaniel Perry, who is looking to join the military, the day was priceless, as he had the opportunity to talk to veterans from each branch of the service.
According to Sherwood McGibbon, Vietnam veteran, “Today’s brunch means a lot to us. It is great to see how the young men and women at BOCES are interested in meeting us and learning about what we have done for our Country.”
Sullivan BOCES plans to hold this type of event annually to help give back to those who have given so much for our Country. BOCES would also like to thank the Liberty and Youngsville Fire Departments for creating a grand entrance with their ladder trucks to welcome these local heroes.
Thank you, veterans! We can’t thank you enough for all of the sacrifices you have made on our behalf. We owe a debt of appreciation to the folks who serve to make our lives safe.