Students honor the veterans closest to them
By M. Kate Romano Journal Correspondent

Squannacook Elementary School Fourth grader Elizabeth Senior puts a star up honoring her grandfather Frank Senior, who fought in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II, her grandfather Hugh Foley, great-grandfather Frank Sears Foley, who was a member of the Army Calvary unit, and her great-uncle Michael Kelly, who fought in Vietnam. Journal Photo/M. Kate Romano

Over 650 stars decorate the front hallway of Squannacook Elementary School to recognize and honor those veterans who are related to the students at the school.

The fourth graders in Laura Halligan's class cut out the stars, which list the name of the student or staff member and the name of the veteran being remembered.

"It helps us remember that there are still men and women today risking their lives to protect the country we all love," Halligan said.

Along with the veteran's name the star includes the person's rank, relationship to the student or staff member, war or conflict he or she served in.

In addition to honoring those how have served there's a special section of stars honoring those men and women who are currently serving in the military.

The handmade stars surround a sign that reads: "To be a veteran, one must know and determine one's price for freedom; Honoring all who Served. Thank you to our Veterans."

Halligan wanted to find away to celebrate Veterans Day this year to celebrate, honor and say thank you to all veterans, past and present.

The fourth grade teacher has a personal connection to the ongoing battle in Iraq, her cousin, Staff Sgt. Dane Halligan is currently serving his second term in Iraq and his wife, Jennifer Halligan, is home after serving one term in Iraq.

Halligan wanted to not only honor her family members, but allow her students the same opportunity.

Those are not the only members of Halligan's family whose names appear on a star in the school's hallway. Halligan's grandfather, Kenneth Halligan, served in

the Air Force in World War II. She also has seven uncles who served in World War II. Her great-grandfather, Timothy Jones, served in World War I with the Lightning Division.

Halligan and Squannacook Principal Christine Morassi came up with the idea of making a star for each individual veteran related to the students and the staff.

Each classroom teacher collected the names after a letter went home to families asking for a list of veterans in their family.

Halligan's students created, cut out and hung the stars in the front hallway.

She said there has been a positive response from the students and that the project has provoked positive discussions in most of the classrooms in the school.

It is a powerful visual reminder of how many people have served this country and a wonderful way to say thank you, she said.