Students honor veterans throughout Ridgefield

Ridgefield — Every school in the Ridgefield School District held a unique Veterans Day assembly performed largely by the students themselves. South Ridge Elementary School opened its assembly with a song titled “Thank You Soldiers” performed by third- and fourth-graders, followed by a short talk from guest speaker Robert Anderson, a veteran who served in the Army and Army Reserve and parent of two South Ridge students. A slideshow honored veterans from families of South Ridge students and staff. At Union Ridge Elementary School, each grade participated, and musical performances included a song in sign language and patriotic songs along with poetry readings and a slideshow. Handmade poppies of remembrance and thank-you cards were distributed to veterans in the audience. Sunset Ridge Intermediate School’s assembly included patriotic songs from the chorus and the national anthem sung by a student. At View Ridge Middle School, the Lewis and Clark Young Marines led the presentation of colors and a flute duo performed the national anthem. A student essay was read thanking veterans for their service. Ridgefield High School featured a presentation of the colors by the Boy Scouts and speeches by a veteran and by the event’s student emcee. The high school choir performed the national anthem, and the symphonic band led patriotic songs.