Posted October 21, 2011

A rendering of the Veterans memorial that the district will break ground on, November 2.

On November 2, North Colonie Central Schools will celebrate the tenth annual Veterans Day Celebration.

Each year since 2002, Shaker High School Social Studies teacher Daniel Weaver, the World of Difference Club and the Town of Colonie Veterans Project have paid homage to our country’s veterans by holding a Veterans Day celebration.

This year, to commemorate the last decade of celebrations, the district will break ground on the North Colonie Veterans Memorial, which will be located next to the Shaker High School Auditorium entranceway.

In the fall of 2010, Shaker High School art teacher Paul Aubin came up with a design plan for the North Colonie Veterans Memorial. He and selected students will create a series of panels depicting the history of the United States and the contributions of the brave men and women who have selflessly served our nation. When assembled, these panels will become a sculptural timeline, allowing members of the North Colonie community a means to reflect and honor our veterans, past, present, and future.

“It is an opportunity to express some of my gratitude for the dedicated soldier,” Aubin said.

Major General Patrick A. Murphy will also be on hand to serve as the evening’s keynote speaker.

Throughout the month of October and into November, the district has also been holding Operation: North Colonie Cares, sponsored by the World of Difference Club.

This drive aims to collect necessary items for our men and women overseas. The items will be boxed up in “freedom boxes” and shipped to our soldiers serving throughout the world.

“Our coordinated efforts this year have been great,” Weaver said. “We are able to send the freedom boxes to specific troops and units in Afghanistan and elsewhere. The outpouring support of students, staff, and the community is amazing.”

The tenth annual Veterans Day Celebration will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Shaker High School by the auditorium entranceway. All are welcome to attend.

Contact Mr. Daniel Weaver at dweaver@ncolonie.org or 518 785-5511 ext. 3620 with any questions.