Memorial Day Event Combines Patriotism, Farewell to Teacher

For more than a decade, third-grade teacher David Hamilton has organized and helped operate the annual Memorial Day Celebration program at the Turnpike Elementary School.

Thursday’s program, held in the school’s gymnasium and attended by the entire student body of the kindergarten through fifth-grade school, was the traditional blend of history lessons, patriotic songs and other ceremonies involving respect for the flag, the military and those who the holiday honors.

But, this year’s program, had a little more meaning both for Hamilton and those who know him.

The teacher, a 21-year member of the Naval reserves, came dressed in full military fatigues, a uniform he’ll be wearing daily starting next month.

Thursday was the popular teacher’s last day at the school before he will be deployed to Afghanistan for an eight-month tour of duty during which he will serve as a media analyst. In that capacity, Hamilton is responsible for gathering local and national news reports and interpreting that information for Naval officers.

It will be Hamilton’s second active tour of duty. Several years ago, he served an eight-month stint stationed in Italy.

“Being in Afghanistan will be a little different,” said Hamilton, who will not only be separated from his students, but from his wife and three children.

“I hate to be away from them, but I have a great love for my country, and this is something I’ll do in a heartbeat in order to honor our country.”

His active military duty, then, is just putting into practice what he has been preaching over the years, particularly with his involvement in the annual Memorial Day ceremony at his school.

“Memorial Day marks the unofficial beginning of summer,” he told students, at the ceremony. “But students, family and friends at Turnpike Elementary School know it has more of a meaning to it. It was originally called `Recognition Day,” to remember those who gave their lives in military service.”

During the program, second-grade teacher Mrs. Delaney, informed students that their contributions and letters collected and sent to military personnel in Afghanistan recently was received and appreciated.

“I recently received a telephone call from Mr. John Pompey (a Troy native) who is serving in Afghanistan to thank us for the letters and package we sent to troops there,” Mrs. Delaney told students at the assembly.

“He wanted me to tell his words to the students. The message he wanted me to pass on was this: `Please tell everyone that they have warmed my heart. They made my day. I am so overwhelmed. Let them know that I’ll write personally to every student who wrote a letter, and that I’ll think about them often. Thank you. And, God bless you.’ ”

Sending letters and packages to members of the military overseas is an on-going program at the school. Mrs. Ashe, a teachers assistant, said that letters and personal items such as candy, gum, soap, deodorant and other personal items, are still being collected and more packages will be sent overseas later this year.

After the program, Hamilton posed for several photos with students.

“I’m honored, but this isn’t about me,” he said.

At the conclusion of the program, he left no doubt about who is meant to be honored by the annual ceremony.

“This is all about two words,” he said. “Those words are `Never Forget.’ A year from now, five years, 10 years … when you become adults … never forget. Don’t ever forget all the servicemen and women who are fighting now, and for all of those who have died to ensure the freedoms that we have today.”