Furnace Woods’ Ceremony Recognizes Importance of Memorial Day

While rain may have moved the ceremony inside, students and staff at Furnace Woods Elementary School paid homage to our veterans during its annual Memorial Day Celebration, which was held May 22, 2025 in the school’s auditeria.

Furnace Woods welcomed several local veterans as guests of honor, including staff members Rob Riley and Scott Gilbert. Sean Murray, the Commander of Post 1030 of the American Legion in Verplanck, introduced the veterans. Later, Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient John Pascale spoke on behalf of all the veterans in attendance, which included Riley, Gilbert, Murray, Robert Benedetto, John Barlow, David Smyth and William Murray.

The event was emceed by Furnace Woods Principal Josh Cohen. Mr. Cohen and a group of first-grade students led the crowd in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Six second graders then spoke about why Memorial Day is significant to them.

Students in Pre-K, kindergarten and the school’s ABC classes presented pictures and posters they had made and shook hands with the veterans.

Music teacher Nathaniel Wardlaw guided the students through a rendition of, “This Land is Your Land,” which they practiced during class leading up to the ceremony. The ceremony ended with the song “Taps,” a bugle call played during patriotic ceremonies and military funerals.

Mr. Cohen, who spent the ceremony underscoring the importance of Memorial Day, left the students with a resonant message.

“It’s important to make sure we recognize our heroes not only around Memorial Day weekend but all throughout the year,” he said.