March 28, 2024

Riverside Middle School Observes Veterans Day

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On November 9, students at Riverside Middle School had an opportunity to learn about the contributions of U.S. Armed Service Veterans during a special program in the RMS auditorium and outside at the school’s flagpole. In recognition of Veterans Day on November 11, four U.S. Armed Services Veterans, and community members with close ties to the East Providence Schools talked about their service to our country and shared some stories with 8th grade students.

RMS 8th grader, Brookelyn Feola opened the program by singing the National Anthem, It was followed by a moving performance of “America the Beautiful” by the RMS Band. Participants also took part in a salute to the flag.

The four veterans had an opportunity to talk about their service to our country. Detective Michael Spremulli of the East Providence Police Department and a veteran of the Marines shared stories about his earliest experiences as a Marine on Parris Island. Recently elected

City Council member, current School Committee member and Air Force veteran, Nate Cahoon, talked about the relationship between military service and civic duty. School Committee Chairman and Vietnam era Army veteran, Charles Tsonos, brought in a perspective that emphasized leadership. Rick Lawson, a member of the local Veterans’

Advisory Board shared his perspective as a former RMS student who gained considerable responsibility for national security as a member of the Air Force.

Later in the program, former City Council member, Tracy Capobianco, introduced to students a valuable community project that she coordinates during the holiday season. For the past three years, Tracy has provided gift bags filled with items and cards to our well deserving veterans at the Bristol Veterans Home as well as veterans in our local nursing homes. She invited students to take part in this year’s drive and many students expressed interest in participating in this program.

Riverside Middle School also recognized Veterans Day by displaying a bulletin board thanking U.S. Armed Service Veterans for defending our freedom. Students and staff proudly submitted photos of their relatives in military uniform. The bulletin board has been on display during the month of November.

Following the program in the auditorium, students and guests proceeded to the flagpole outside the school for a flag-raising ceremony. Participants stood silent as the American flag was raised and then lowered to half-staff due to a Presidential Proclamation in observance of the recent tragedy in California.

Riverside Middle School is committed to the observance of Veterans Day in future years and offers a heartfelt “Thank you” to our Veterans and active members of the Armed Forces.

Riverside Middle School, Veterans

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