Cornwall students honor veterans

CORNWALL — The student body of Cornwall Consolidated School led a ceremony of gratitude for veterans of the armed forces on Thursday, Nov. 9. 

In total, nine veterans from varying branches of service spent a morning with the students. Servicemen were represented from every major conflict going back to World War II.

The ceremony began with breakfast in the cafeteria. The veterans shared a meal and conversation with the eighth graders before moving to the gymnasium with the full student body.

The CCS band performed a rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and then selected speakers from each grade posited questions to the veterans.

A fourth grader named Alpha asked, “What inspired you to join the service?”  

“My grandfather had served in World War II. My father had served in the Air Force for a number of years. So I just wanted to follow in their footsteps and continue that legacy,” said Jake Thulin, Army veteran and current night custodian at CCS.

“I was drafted,” said Robert Parker, Army veteran of World War II. 

Fifth grader Pippa asked the veterans to share their most memorable experience.

“Coming home,” said Col. Kirk Harrington, commander of Couch-Pipa VFW Post 6851 in North Canaan.

The veterans each received student-made gifts to thank them for their service.

“I’m just so tickled to know that the eighth grade class has done this ceremony over the past seven years and they’re fully aware of what this day is,” said Navy veteran Casey Cook. “This is why we serve.”