Matching the flag ... Tori B., Briana N., Joanna B., Yana K., and Samantha F. show off their red, white, and blue.
In Remembrance of Our Fallen Heroes
By Lee D.
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance and mourning for fallen soldiers who have given their lives for our country and for the principles the country stands for.
On May 31, The Family Foundation School held a parade honoring the fallen men and women of the armed services. Each family presented their own salute, which included a parade with a float, speakers, and music of some sort or other.
Betton House had a float with ribbons of red, white, and blue hanging from all sides, and cannons to symbolize the fighting of wars. The family marched behind it. Betton House concluded with Kevin S. and Troy P. reading the names of wars the U.S. has been involved in and how many American soldiers died on each day of the war. Drew D. and Patricia R. sang “The Star Spangled Banner,” which ended their parade beautifully.
Lake House had a separate presentation for each section of the armed forces: the Air Force, the Army, the Navy, the Marines, and the Coast Guard. For each branch of the armed forces there was a parade and an address about the duty of the specific branch. This was followed by Lake House singing “America the Beautiful,” accompanied by Jordan S. on the clarinet.
Mann House had a float decorated with red, white, and blue and escorted in by FFS staff Bill Kromer on his motorcycle. The family walked around the float and Allyxandra T. addressed the crowd on the meaning behind Memorial Day. Then Samuel M. sang “God Bless America,” and the whole house joined him for the final chorus.
Wilson House marched onto the parade ground, followed by a Hummer made out of cardboard boxes. Jens J. made a speech about Wilson House’s interpretation of Memorial Day, followed by the family singing “I Want You,” a Beatles song, accompanied by Chris B. on the guitar.
Finally, Talbot House prepared a float with a banner in memory of Justin Whiting who was killed in action last year. Kevin D. delivered a speech about Memorial Day, which was followed by Nick P., Liam M., Matt V., Brooke C., and Jake R. singing and playing “Surfing the USA” by The Beach Boys, while Rob W., Dylan G. and Jacob B. did a dance to the song.
After the five houses gave their presentations, the afternoon was spent outside at a barbeque and a student vs. staff softball game. Later that night the whole house gathered in the gym to watch Black Hawk Down to end the Memorial Day celebration with the fallen soldiers in their thoughts and prayers.
“It was cool to be able to play music for such a good cause,” said Mann House student Gabe L.
