Westport Public Schools honored Veterans Day on Monday, November 11, 2025, with meaningful programs across the district that brought students, staff, families, and local veterans together. From preschool through high school, students learned about the courage, sacrifice, and service of members of the United States Armed Forces and found age-appropriate ways to express their gratitude.

Our schools showed extraordinary thoughtfulness this Veterans Day. From preschool thank-you notes to high school reflections on service, students engaged deeply with the values of respect, gratitude, and citizenship that we strive to cultivate every day, said Thomas Scarice, Superintendent of Schools.

Staples High School

At the Town of Westport’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony in the Westport Town Hall Auditorium, Staples High School senior Gunnar Eklund delivered the student keynote address. The community event brought residents, veterans, families, and town officials together in recognition of the courage, service, and sacrifice demonstrated by members of the United States Armed Forces.

Speaking to a full auditorium, Eklund reflected on the true meaning of service, noting that at its core, it represents commitment and honor. He emphasized that when someone joins the military, they take an oath to live and act beyond themselves, dedicating their efforts to the greater good of their country, their community, and their family.

Eklund reminded the audience that this oath is more than a set of formal words; it is a solemn promise to uphold the values of honor, integrity, and duty, even in the face of hardship or danger. He also stressed that service is not limited to those in uniform, describing it as a mindset—a willingness to act for something greater than personal comfort. His message expressed deep gratitude for veterans and encouraged all community members to consider how they, too, might contribute to the common good.

Coleytown Middle School

Coleytown Middle School students and staff gathered for a school-wide assembly to honor Veterans Day. The Camerata opened the program with a moving performance of the National Anthem, followed by a beautiful rendition of America the Beautiful performed by a group of eighth-grade orchestra students.

CMS was honored to welcome three special guests: Retired Lieutenant Roman Kogan (U.S. Navy), Retired Officer Dennis Broderick (U.S. Army), and Retired Lieutenant Francis Alexander (U.S. Navy), along with their families. Mr. Kogan shared stories from his time at the U.S. Naval Academy and his service aboard a submarine, giving students a powerful glimpse into life in the military.

Following his presentation, the veterans participated in a student-led question-and-answer session. When asked if they were proud to be veterans and why, all three expressed a similar sentiment: they are deeply proud to have served a cause greater than themselves. The CMS community shared its gratitude with the visiting veterans and their families for spending the morning with the school.

Bedford Middle School

Bedford Middle School recently welcomed local military veterans for the school’s annual Veterans Day program, a cherished tradition that connects eighth-grade students with those who have served our nation.

During the event, veterans met with students in small-group discussions to share their life stories, from their own school experiences to their time in military service and life beyond. Students listened attentively as the veterans recounted powerful personal experiences that illustrated courage, service, perseverance, and teamwork.

Following the sessions, students expressed their gratitude through handwritten thank-you letters to each visiting veteran, reflecting on the lessons and inspiration they took from the conversations.

The opportunity for our students to hear directly from veterans is deeply meaningful, said Courtney Ruggiero, Social Studies Teacher and Team Leader. It helps them connect history, citizenship, teamwork, and empathy in a way that no textbook could ever capture. We’re proud to continue this tradition of learning and gratitude.

Saugatuck Elementary School

Saugatuck Elementary School held a Veterans Day assembly led by the Student Leadership Council, which includes students in grades 3–5. Veterans from SES families joined the celebration, and the SES chorus marked the occasion with songs honoring their service.

Students also presented a special Honor Table—a symbolic display created to recognize the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guard members who have served our country, as well as those who never returned home. Children described the meaning behind each item as visiting veterans placed the symbols on the table: the black tablecloth representing those who made the ultimate sacrifice; the military uniform symbolizing pride, discipline, and honor; the dog tags reminding everyone that each service member is known and remembered; the helmet standing for protection and courage; the Purple Heart medal honoring those wounded in service; and the single lit candle signifying the eternal flame of remembrance.

The veterans concluded this moving portion of the assembly with a solemn salute, creating a powerful tribute and meaningful learning experience that reminded the SES community of the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces.

As part of the day, students also highlighted the service of SES family members, including a special interview with grandparent and veteran Martin Erdheim, who was interviewed by his grandchildren, current SES students. Fifth graders created artwork inspired by photos of veterans connected to SES staff and families.

Greens Farms Elementary School

Greens Farms Elementary School welcomed veterans and their families for a heartfelt Veterans Day celebration that included a reception and an all-school assembly. Veterans shared stories from their time in service and connected with students in informal conversations, bringing a personal and powerful dimension to the day.

Principal Brian Byrne expressed appreciation for the many veterans who return each year and those who joined the GFS community for the first time. Instructional Technology Leader Dan Seek also extended thanks on behalf of the school, noting how meaningful it was for students to see and hear directly from the people behind the word veteran.

With support from the GFS PTA and school staff, the event created a warm, welcoming, and respectful tribute that students and families will remember. The GFS community emphasized how much it values this opportunity to celebrate veterans as cherished members of the school community.

Coleytown Elementary School

Coleytown Elementary School held a special Veterans Day ceremony led by members of the Student Leadership Council (SLC) and their teacher leaders, Ms. Alyssa Carroll and Ms. Morgan Whelan. Students and staff were encouraged to wear red, white, and blue to demonstrate their patriotic spirit as they gathered for a Town Hall–style assembly.

The school welcomed guest speaker Major Matt Testa, an Air Force veteran, Coleytown parent, and former C-5 Galaxy Aircraft Commander. Major Testa, who served 20 years in the Air Force and logged more than 10,000 jet flight hours—including over 350 hours of combat flying in Iraq and Afghanistan—shared stories of service, global humanitarian missions, and teamwork. Students were especially captivated by one of his fun facts: there are even dolphins in the Air Force

His presentation offered students a meaningful look into the experiences and character of those who serve, grounding the Veterans Day message in real-life examples of courage, dedication, and global citizenship.

Kings Highway Elementary School

In honor of Veterans Day, Kings Highway Elementary School’s own security guard, Mr. Redgate, spoke to students about his time in the Marines, sharing reflections on his service and answering thoughtful student questions.

Throughout the week, classes visited the Veteran Wall, a tribute created by staff and families to honor loved ones who have served in the Armed Forces. On Tuesday, students also showed their school spirit by wearing red, white, and blue and writing thank-you letters to veterans, expressing appreciation for their courage, dedication, and sacrifice.

Long Lots Elementary School

At Long Lots Elementary School, Veterans Day was marked by a meaningful assembly to honor LLS community veterans. The school welcomed five veterans to join its Town Hall Meeting, including parents and grandparents of current LLS students and staff, and even the school’s own nurse. Students demonstrated their gratitude through readings, songs, and the presentation of red and white carnations to the veterans in attendance, symbolizing courage, peace, honor, and bravery. The ceremony highlighted the values of service, duty, and integrity, with speakers reflecting on the sacrifices made by members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force to protect our freedoms.

Stepping Stones Preschool

Stepping Stones Preschool proudly celebrated Veterans Day by engaging even the youngest learners in an act of kindness. Each student created a heartfelt thank-you note to show appreciation for the brave individuals who serve our country.

These notes will be sent to Staff Sergeant John Perez and his battalion. Staff Sergeant Perez, the husband of Stepping Stones paraeducator Emily Perez, is currently serving in the Army in the Middle East. The preschool community expressed gratitude for his service and shared that they are honored to support him and his fellow soldiers through this thoughtful gesture.

Across Westport Public Schools, Veterans Day provided students with opportunities to learn from veterans’ stories, reflect on the meaning of service, and express heartfelt gratitude. Through assemblies, classroom activities, public ceremonies, and simple acts of kindness, the district came together to honor those who have dedicated their lives to protecting others and serving the nation.