First Graders Recognize Marine Recruits on Patriot Day

Fourteen years after the September 11th attacks, students of Lisa Cognato’s first grade class at Albany Avenue Elementary School in the Lindenhurst Union Free School District recognized Patriot Day by offering messages of gratitude to Marine recruits currently attending boot camp on Parris Island, South Carolina. The recruits are stationed there for 13 challenging weeks with no access to external communication other than hand written correspondence.

“The time at boot camp can be so difficult and lonely for these brave volunteers,” said Mrs. Cognato. “We hope that by receiving these letters, the recruits will be reminded that they are thought of at home.”

In addition to their letters, the students drew patriotic pictures in an effort to demonstrate their support and gratitude to the recruits for their commitment to serve the country.

The class gathered together on the carpet under the American Flag and read “Celebrating Patriotic Holidays - Honoring America” by Joel Kupperstein and explored what it means to be a patriot.

Photo: Students of Lisa Cognato’s first grade class at Albany Avenue Elementary School in the Lindenhurst Union Free School District recognized Patriots’ Day by offering messages of gratitude to Marine recruits currently attending boot camp.

Photo courtesy of the Lindenhurst Union Free School District