Furnace Woods’ Annual Memorial Day Ceremony Underscores Importance of Holiday

As the students took their turns at the microphone, they each had an opportunity to draw connections between Memorial Day, our military, and how the two signify important human values. There were nine values highlighted, all that were significant to Jackie Robinson, the man who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball after serving in the United States Army.

The values that Robinson lived by were citizenship, commitment, courage, determination, excellence, integrity, justice, persistence, and teamwork. They were at the heart of a moving ceremony at Furnace Woods Elementary School, which honored American military while hosting local heroes who have served our country. A group of students presented each of Robinson's values and drew a connection between the value and the holiday.

Another key lesson during the ceremony came from veteran Sean Murray, who told the students to appreciate the memorials and flags they encounter in the community. Murray said every stone, plaque or bench represents an important life.

“They are each a symbol of a life lost. They aren’t just pieces of rock or pieces of a cloth,” said Murray, who then encouraged students to attend the Tri-Village Memorial Day Parade in Buchanan at 11 a.m. on May 27.

During the schoolwide ceremony, more than a dozen students spoke. One led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, two others performed “Taps” alongside the school’s band teacher, Doug Franck.

The annual ceremony was concluded by two students from Ms. Oricchio’s class, who noted, “Today and every day, we honor and thank our military for protecting us and keeping us safe and showing us how to be great American citizens. On Memorial Day and every day, let’s remember how fortunate we are to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave.”