Biddeford students learn meaning of Memorial Day
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Biddeford Intermediate School teacher Lori Flynn, right, comforts veteran Raoul Goulet as students sing a song for him at St. Joseph's Cemetery on Thursday. Standing behind them is Ted Sirois.
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Fri, May 23, 2025 |
Fourth graders from Biddeford Intermediate School learned about the meaning of Memorial Day and the importance of appreciating Veterans.
Memorial Day, a federal holiday observed the fourth Monday of May, was established originally to honor those who died in the Civil War and later became a day to honor all American veterans who sacrificed their lives for our country.
For many years, the American Legion Post 26 has paired with fourth graders from Biddeford Intermediate School to help educate them about Memorial Day. Post 26 also raises money for classroom supplies.
“We’ve kind of adopted the fourth grade,” said American Legion Post 26 Member Rick St. Onge.
On Thursday morning, fourth graders along with American Legion members and Biddeford-Saco Rotary Club members busied themselves with putting 2500 flags on veterans’ graves at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, 120 West St.
The students gathered at the cemetery while American Legion member and Vietnam Veteran Raoul Goulet gave a brief presentation and instructions on how to place the flags.
The students surprised Goulet by singing him the song “A Grateful Nation.”
“We are a grateful nation, for all you do, for all you've done. You put yourselves right on the line. Because of you, we're doin' fine,” sang the students.
“That was wonderful, thank you,” said Goulet, his voice heavy with emotion. “I never expected that. You pulled a fast one on me.”
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Gabriella Norris puts a flag on her great-grandfather's grave, while her mother Teila Norris-Julien, looks on. PHOTO BY LIZ GOTTHELF |
Fourth-grader Gabriella Norris and her mother, Teila Norris-Julien, were placing flags by the graves of family members who were veterans. Gabriella said she enjoyed learning about her family and their military service.
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Isabella Morrill and Emerson Shaffer put flags on veterans graves at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Biddeford. |
Fourth graders Isabella Morrill and Emerson Shaffer paired up and walked around the cemetery, spotting out graves to place flags.
“It’s a really nice way to thank all the people who served our country,” said Emerson
Isabella agreed.
“A veteran is someone who keeps us safe,” she said.
Saco Bay News Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.