Sachem North Holds Military Demonstration at Special Assembly

The student body was treated to some fresh air on Thursday as school officials welcomed members of the Armed Forces to an outdoor meet-and-greet and demonstration.

Plans to land a military helicopter on the grounds adjacent to the football field had to be scratched last minute because of the heavy overcast skies. 

Organizers arranged for a handful of servicemen, stationed both locally and nationally, to come and speak to students and help kick off Memorial Day Weekend. An armored Humvee rolled through the parking lot and stopped for students to take photos.

According to North Assistant Principal Ken Costa, this was the first year the school decided to host an event centered on the military and Memorial Day. Costa, an ex-Marine with strong family ties to the military, said the event was an important part of the education process.

“This teaches kids to remember that this is a national holiday,” Costa said. “It’s important to honor the men and women in uniform. We gotta thank them for putting their lives on the line, regardless of the reason they joined.”

The ceremony began with a rousing rendition of the national anthem, sung by North student Stephanie Ross, who also sang “God Bless America” after a handful of students presented the soldiers with flags and a certificate of appreciation.

The event tied into Fleet Week, which brings members of the Armed Forces into New York from all over the country—members such as Lt. Col. Mike Fernandez, who is stationed in California and said he put off his retirement to attend his first Fleet Week.

“People in New York and Long Island are the greatest people on earth,” Fernandez said. “They really welcome the military with open arms.”

Costa said although he was disappointed the helicopter had to return to base, going forward he’d like the ceremony to become a part of Sachem North tradition.

“Hopefully next year we can get [the ceremony] on the ground,” he joked, referring to the failed helicopter land.

North students, corralled in the parking lot between the building and the athletic fields, were given the opportunity to interact with the military members and hear their stories of service and sacrifice.