Perry Hall ES Kicks Off Memorial Day Weekend

Perry Hall Elementary School's tradition of celebrating Memorial Day with an assembly of musical performances pre-dates the school's current Principal Donna Bergin.

"I feel great that we can do this assembly alongside the Perry Hall Improvement Association," Bergin said. "Not all schools do it. So it is very special. Our kids do learn about this information in school and it's really good to see it in action and actually see veterans."

Watch the attached video for a touching rendition of American The Beautiful set to a slideshow of photos from the assembly.

The assembly featured musical performances and a speech from soldier David Collier. Collier relayed to an auditorium of an antsy elementary school kids a story of his time overseas as a scout.

Each year, the elementary school honors a veteran for their term of service. In years past, family members of Perry Hall Improvement Association president Dennis Robinson Jr. have taken center stage.

Robinson spoke admirably of his grandfather Sgt. Dennis G. Robinson and his time in the Korean War. The elder Robinson was awarded two Purple Hearts, a Combat Infantry Badge, the Bronze Oak Leaf and the Korea Service Medal for his one year in battle.

"It's certainly much more than just having cookouts and getting together with family," Robinson Jr. said of Memorial Day. "Having had a brother and a sister-in-law who have served overseas it takes on a whole new meaning. You recognize what type of situations they are in over there.

"This is a great community event and I think it's only school in the area that does an event like this and I can't think of a better way to start off memorial day weekend," he continued.

Who do you honor on Memorial Day? Share your family's story in the comments section below.

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