Brave men and women who serve and protect the U.S. come from all walks of life; they are parents, children and grandparents. They are friends, neighbors and coworkers, and an important part of their communities.  Many Americans mistakenly believe that Veterans Day is the day America sets aside to honor American military personnel who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained from combat. That's not quite true. Memorial Day is the day set aside to honor America's war dead.  Veterans Day, on the other hand, honors all American veterans, both living and dead. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for dedicated and loyal service to their country. November 11th of each year is the day that we ensure veterans know that we deeply appreciate the sacrifices they have made in the lives to keep our country free.

The best way to have a "Happy Veterans Day" is to do something special for a veteran.  With this idea in mind, Lace School students and staff provide an annual Veterans Day assembly honoring one member from a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.

This past November, Lace School honored Darien resident Brad Bucholz during a Veterans Day assembly on Friday, November 9, 2012.  Captain Bucholz, a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate and son of Lace School teacher Bonnie Bucholz, served three tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq.  Captain Bucholz is currently stationed at the Pentagon in Washington D.C.  Captain Bucholz conveyed to students the significance of the day and how he is only a representative of the sacrifices made by the men and women who are currently serving or have served in our armed forces. 

The school assembly also featured the presentation of the American Flag by members of the Darien V.F.W. Post 2838, a performance of Taps and multiple performances by the Lace School Chorus.  Lace School students decorated stars commemorating names or pictures of family members who have or are currently serving in the United States Armed Services.  The stars were displayed in the school gym for a week leading up to the anticipated assembly.