In observance of Veterans Day, Levy Lakeside School held its eighth annual assembly to honor local veterans. This year, 13 veterans representing different branches of the U.S. military were honored, with their grandchildren and/or children in attendance. 

The Levy Lakeside fifth grade Student Council Color Guard performed the opening exercises. Following opening remarks by fifth grader Samantha Lapidus and Principal Libby Trencheny, each veteran was recognized by name and presented with a rose by a family member. Al Belbol Jr., whose father was among the veterans honored, served as the emcee for the event.

“It’s important that we show our children that we should thank our veterans every day, and not just on Veterans Day,” Belbol Jr. said.

Special thanks to the following veterans who were the honored guests for the day: Al Belbol Sr., Mel Cantor, Max Forcht, Michael Garrone, Patrick Keane III, Darren LaForest, Victor Lopez, Ken Magnuson, Ronald Mazza, Alexander Merzlyak, Robert Peckham, Laurence Roslow and Harvey Yormack. New York State Assemblyman Dave McDonough was also in attendance and recognized for his past service in the military.

As the ceremony culminated, students could shake hands and personally thank the veterans for all that they have done to protect our country. Prior to the assembly, Lakeside hosted a special breakfast for them. Each honored guest also received a gift bag filled with items supplied from local businesses. 

Special thanks to the many local businesses that donated food and gifts, and thanks to Belbol Jr. for once again coordinating a special and very important event for veterans and for students.