Students and staff at West Hartford’s Bristow Middle School commemorated Veterans Day by laying out a field of flags at the school.

Field of Flags at Bristow Middle School. Courtesy photo

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About 130 Bristow students and staff members, along with West Hartford Superintendent of Schools Paul Vicinus, participated in the laying out of a field of flags in honor of veterans in commemoration of Veterans Day on Nov. 11.

In total, 350 flags were laid out in a solemn field next to the visitors parking lot where, it is hoped, parents and visitors will see the flags and pause to think about the contributions of veterans to our community.

Students and staff lay out a Field of Flags at Bristow Middle School. Courtesy photo

The flags, which were privately purchased and donated, will be set out each year at Veterans Day and Memorial Day, and will provide opportunity for teachers to bring their classes out as part of their annual Veterans Day lessons

This activity dovetails with the annual learning about veterans, described by eighth grade social studies teacher Jennifer Omartian: “Every year on Veterans Day, eighth graders in U.S. History explore a range of sources – photographs, picture books, letters, and interviews – to build an understanding of the human experiences behind what it means to serve. While the classroom exercise helps build appreciation, physically placing the flags gives students a tangible connection to our community as they create a visual tribute to our veterans.”

Field of Flags at Bristow Middle School. Courtesy photo

School counselor Amy Landers shared why the project was important to her: “Participating in Bristow’s Field of Flags for Veterans Day is significant to me because I have a personal connection to the project through my father, who is a veteran. I believe it is important to honor those who have served and ensure their dedication and sacrifices are never forgotten. Moreover, this field of flags will serve as a visual reminder to all who pass by and perhaps even a conversation starter!”

Greg Ferry, Bristow’s other school counselor and a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, had this to say: “Growing up in a military family and serving in the Coast Guard taught me the value of showing up for others. A mission I carry into my counseling work every day. The Field of Flags planted here at Bristow Middle School serves as a living lesson in empathy and sacrifice. I am incredibly proud of our students for recognizing the service of our nation’s veterans in such a meaningful, heartfelt way.”

Students and staff lay out a Field of Flags at Bristow Middle School. Courtesy photo

Of the dozens of students who participated in laying the flags, several shared their thoughts and feelings about what it meant to them to engage in the activity. Eighth grader Charlotte Cheever shared, “It’s important to remember everybody who sacrificed and who gave up their lives. That’s why we’re safe today.” Andre Golden, also in eighth grade, stated, “It’s important to honor those who have chosen to protect our country and keep us safe so that we can have a nice, peaceful life.”

Eighth grade science teacher, Dino DeMonti, shared his thoughts about the importance of Veterans Day in general. “On Veterans Day it is extremely important to remember the sacrifices and service of not only our individual family members, but the collective group both past and present of brave and selfless individuals from all the branches of service. Without these individuals, there is positively no way we would be able to enjoy the freedoms and style of life we so often take for granted. It is a small gesture to pay a monumental thank you to all of our service members.”

Field of Flags at Bristow Middle School. Courtesy photo

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