The reunion

I don’t want to be here — yet I do. I avoid crowds and congestion. Bad things can happen in crowds. But — I’m back for the sixth or seventh consecutive year. It’s the Salisbury Central School’s Veterans Day event honoring Tri-state veterans and their service to country. The surrounding community is invited. A much appreciated, well organized and orchestrated event prepared by students, teachers and faculty. 

It keeps pulling me back like a sea siren’s song as it does other veterans. Each new year’s November event exponentially increasing veteran attendance: Air Force, Marines, Navy, Army and Coast Guard represented. 

My wife and I enter through the security checkpoint and make our way to the gym. My eyes scan all nooks and crannies — checking potential exits. I’m a bit uncomfortable but know the children will soon soothe my soul. I take a front row seat among the double row of seated veterans facing the main event. I greet friends and those veterans I have had the honor of meeting the last few years. 

I hug my grandchildren and grandnieces who will perform. The children file in, down the ramp into the gym. The preschoolers and kindergarteners are seated in the front row facing us. Grades six through first in progressive waves from behind. The children precisely seated, accompanied by their chaperons and teachers. 

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Security personnel and appropriate police protection are present. It’s satisfying to see good security procedure. After all, our most precious treasures, our children, are assembled here today. A little blond-haired preschool girl with beautiful blue eyes is seated directly 12 feet across from me upon her teacher’s lap. She stares at me and smiles. I smile back. 

A local Color Guard files in and the National Anthem is played by the school band. All present remove covers (hats), place right hands over their hearts and some even join the vocals. 

Introductions are made. Each veteran rises announcing name, service, years served and personal comments. The band plays each service’s anthem. Those veterans associated with their song rise and respectfully salute the on-stage American flag. It’s a great ensemble and appreciated by us veterans. 

Some songs by the children are very heart rendering. One in particular strikes a sentimental chord with me as I stare into the eyes of the little blond girl in her cornflower dress directly in front of me. I feel my eyes moistening and hold them wide open. Waiting for the moisture to wash away, I know I must eventually blink and when I do a few tears course down both cheeks, which I try to discreetly brush away. The teacher holding the little girl is doing the same. I look down my row of veterans — ditto. 

Emotions are too often held in, except during those occasions when honor, love, respect and appreciation all come together. It’s a true life lesson for the school children and veterans alike. The children present us with personally-created “thank you for your service” cards. It’s overwhelming. 

We are invited to the recreation room for refreshments. I reluctantly comply at the urging of my wife. After this event we plan to catch a mid-afternoon meal at a local eatery. I want to leave this congestion as soon as possible. When I get into my car and buckle up, preparing to leave, I look over my shoulder knowing I can’t wait until next year’s event and then I stare at the thank you card by my side (my treasure).

God bless our children and those who teach them respect and patriotism.

Have a great weekend, all.

Vietnam veteran Larry Conklin of Millerton is a member of Millerton American Legion Post 178 and North Canaan, Conn., VFW Post 6851.