American flags lined the path into Marshwood Middle School, held by students waiting to greet the veterans and first responders they had gathered to honor. The welcome continued inside, where the honored guest shook hands with the student body and staff of MMS.
The school’s 26th annual Veterans Day assembly brought veterans, active-duty service members, first responders and their families to the Eliot school Nov. 6. Students in sixth through eighth grades honored their guests through music and presentations, remembered those who have passed and hosted a luncheon after the ceremony.
Among those welcomed was Raymond Payeur, a Navy veteran and the only World War II veteran in attendance. Assembly coordinator Kris Bisson accompanied him through the hallway as fellow veterans and school staff applauded.
Bagpiper Dave McLean accompanied the veterans’ march into the assembly. The Eliot Police Honor Guard presented and posted the colors, Girl Scouts led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Cara Scott sang the national anthem.
“Please know that you matter to us,” Principal Christine Goulet said in her welcome. “Your service matters. Your sacrifices matter, and the example you set for our students matters.”
Following welcomes from Goulet and Superintendent Caroline Arakelian, sixth graders presented “Honoring the Heroes of 9/11 and Today.” The Marshwood Middle School Chorus then performed “America, Remember.”
Students and staff also remembered Lee Petrie, who taught social studies at Marshwood Middle School for 38 years and supported its annual Veterans Day assembly for 24 years. The memorial presentation featured photographs of Petrie and the poem “The Fallen Limb,” honoring his place in the school community and his commitment to the tradition.
Recognition extended to those whose service brings them into the community’s daily life. Officer Robert Govoni honored first responders, and Richard Moore recognized veterans from every service. “Armed Forces on Parade” featured the songs of the Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Army and Navy.
“This was very appreciated. One of the things that the program really drives home is service for others,” said Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Jonathan Fultz, assigned to Submarine Squadron 2 at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. “It doesn’t have to be military service.”
Seventh graders followed the service songs with “Stewards of the Stories.” At the conclusion of their presentation, students held up photographs and thanked the veterans and first responders in attendance.
The assembly then turned to those who could not return. A tribute to the fallen remembered veterans and first responders who have passed since the previous year’s gathering. Madelyn Robinson and Camden Benedetto performed “Taps,” followed by McLean playing “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes.
The sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade band performed “Unity March.” Eighth graders then presented “Feathers of the Hawk," and the Marshwood Little Hawks honored the Pease Greeters.
“I think they did a great job,” said Malcolm “Mal” Kenney, a Marine Corps and Air Force veteran from South Berwick. “And you’d be surprised how much it means to a lot of the people here.”
“Today is about more than a date on a calendar or a history lesson. It is about people,” Arakelian said. “It is about women and men who have stepped forward to serve something greater than themselves.”
The welcome extended beyond the assembly, with eighth graders hosting guests for a complimentary luncheon in the cafeteria. School families, the luncheon committee and community donors helped make the meal and celebration possible.
In her closing remarks, Bisson thanked staff for their work with students, families for their support, and school leaders for their commitment to the tradition.
“Our veterans and first responders, you are our living history,” Bisson said. “We are grateful for your service, for your presence today, and for the opportunity to honor you.”