Sacred Heart School In Saratoga Sends Sweet Support To Military Troops
Veteran ’ s Day Mass at Holy Family School Saint Nicholas Honors Fallen Heroes ; Local Alumni
22 catholic schools
Thank You for Your Service
December 13 , 2016 | The Valley Catholic
By Dr . Colette Marie O ’ Bannion Assistant Principal , Holy Spirit School |
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“ Thank you for your service .” As I heard over 500 little and not-so-little voices direct these few simple words to my father and the other stoic veterans in the auditorium , my eyes filled with tears . You see , I have always been very proud of my Vietnam Veteran father . He has always been a very proud veteran . To see this honor both reflected on his proud countenance and know that one sentence resonated through his soul , my roles as daughter and administrator |
merged into one .
The moment didn ’ t end there . It culminated with a young boy solemnly saluting my father and other students shaking his hand and thanking him for his service . How and why did this special moment take place ? It did so because Holy Spirit School took the time to commemorate our veterans , the brave who have protected in the past and continue to protect today , every American citizen .
The cornerstone of our day was the Presentation of the Colors Assembly hosted by our Scouts . Seeing little and not-so-little ones alike in their scouting
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uniforms line the auditorium to pay homage to our flag and veterans began this special occasion . Commander Kevin Lavery , one of our brave Coast Guard Veteran fathers , then both informed and inspired our students to take action . What action would that be ? A very simple one that my father taught me as a little girl . When you see a veteran say five very meaningful words , “ Thank you for your service .” Veterans nationwide have earned this honor by the sacrifices they have made to put our needs before their own . Holy Spirit School is honored to have our young people take this action into their world . |
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Karen O ’ Bannion , Staff Sergeant Matthew Michael O ’ Bannion and Dr . Colette Marie O ’ Bannion . |
Sacred Heart School In Saratoga Sends Sweet Support To Military Troops
Sacred Heart School ’ s students sent heartfelt and illustrated letters of encouragement , and over 284 pounds of candy , in gratitude , support and encouragement for our nation ’ s “ heroes .”
This service activity led by Sacred Heart ’ s Student Council , was focused on the work of Operation Gratitude , an organization that helps civilians send care packages filled with necessities and comforting items to military personnel abroad .
The Student Council collected candy and organized a special assembly for students in Kindergarten through Eighth Grade to write letters to our troops and veterans . At the assembly , students viewed a short video about our veterans and the challenges they face as they are deployed overseas for special missions . “ It was very touching and reassuring to see how much the students donated . Once the students watched that video , they poured out with support through their words and drawings ,” said Ms . Fontana seventh grade homeroom teacher and Student Council coordinator .
Veteran ’ s Day Mass at Holy Family School Saint Nicholas Honors Fallen Heroes ; Local Alumni
On November 11 , Holy Family School ’ s third and fifth grade students planned our Veteran ’ s Day Mass honoring our country ’ s veterans .
For the past several years , the third and fifth graders have learned about the Honor Flight for World War II Veterans , an organization that provides an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington D . C . to see the memorial , and other special events .
Having written letters to the 90-year-old veterans , students offered their appreciation for their service to our country . They extended invitations to attend the Veteran ’ s Day Mass and reception and we were honored that several of them attended !
Students prepared for the liturgy and with the help of some members of the community , made poppy boutonnieres for each veteran . Holy Family pastor , Father Andrew Nguyen , presided at the Mass where he thanked and blessed our vets .
One of our veterans , wrote a book , and presented it to Julia Kerner and Max Nguyen , the students with whom he corresponded . The book was about his life during World War II and what his job was during the war .
More information regarding Catholic Schools in the Diocese of San Jose can be found at www . dsj . org / schools .
On November 15 as we remembered all veterans , Saint Nicholas Catholic School in Los Altos was honored to welcome several alumni and the Manoukian family back to campus as we hosted a Prayer Service and Dedication for the Matthew P . Manoukian Memorial Flagpole .
Captain Matthew P . Manoukian , Saint Nicholas Alumni ‘ 97 , was posthumously awarded the military ’ s highest honor , the Navy Cross , for his heroism during an insider attack in Afghanistan in 2012 .
The Saint Nicholas Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts participated in a special flag ceremony , the students led a prayer service , and the School Pastor , Father John Poncini , blessed and dedicated the Memorial Flag Pole . A reception followed in the school gym . The plaque on the memorial reads : “ Every school day , we salute the flag in grateful appreciation to our Saint Nicholas School alumni , parents and parishioners who have served and continue to serve in the Armed Forces of the United States of America .”
Guests included :
• The Honorable Socrates and Justice Patricia Manoukian , Matthew ’ s parents
• Michael Manoukian , Matthew ’ s brother
• Los Altos Hills Mayor , John Harpoolian
• Pastor of Saint Nicholas and Saint Williams Parish , Father John Poncini
• School Principal , Matt Komar
• Matthew ’ s eighth grade teacher , Kevin Kannengeiser
• Director of Endowment and Financial Aid Programs for Saint Francis High School , Mike Speckman