West Hartford’s Bugbee Elementary School taught the importance of Memorial Day during a day of special activities.

Students watch the band perform at the Bugbee Memorial Day celebration. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

By Lily Guberman

This past Friday, May 28, students at West Hartford’s Bugbee Elementary School participated in a day full of activities dedicated to honoring Memorial Day.

Students watched a video from Assistant Superintendent Paul Vicinus, who is a member of the military. He reminded students that Memorial Day is a day to celebrate, but to also remember those who make it possible. Beginning at 9 a.m. students from each class planted flags along the Bugbee driveway and around the flagpole, along with notecards including names of those who died in service to the United States, all of which were submitted by members of the Bugbee community. Some students also chose to add poems to the name on their notecard.

Bugbee Memorial Day celebration. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Students planting flags at Bugbee Elementary School for Memorial Day Submitted

“Every student came out and dedicated a flag to someone in the community,” said Bugbee principal Kelly Brouse.

Bugbee Memorial Day Ceremony Photo Credit: Lily Guberman

Members of the fifth grade band had their first opportunity of the year to perform for the school. Bugbee Memorial Day celebration. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

The ceremony began at 2 p.m. with the kindergarten class processing outside to listen to a short concert from the band made up of all fifth grade students who were performing for the first time this year together. After April break, the band began learning music outside together, socially distant, after learning how to play their instruments at home during the fall and winter.

Due to the pandemic, the Memorial Day Ceremony was also the first school-wide activity that students were able to participate in this year. Principal Brouse said the message was to “enjoy and celebrate Memorial Day, but to also make sure we know why it’s possible.” 

Bugbee’s fifth-grade band playing at their Memorial Day Ceremony Photo Credit: Lily Guberman

Flags planted by Bugbee Students Photo Credit: Lily Guberman

Bugbee Memorial Day celebration. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Bugbee Memorial Day celebration. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Bugbee Memorial Day celebration. Photo credit: Ronni Newton