Children present 'Tribute to Armed Forces' at Victory Lakes
Submitted by Kimberly Franz
A group of children called Igniters presented a "Tribute to the Armed Forces" recently, sharing about the country, its founders and the military protection they appreciate.
Chosen for the veteran residents, the performance took place at Victory Lakes, a senior living campus in Lindenhurst, reaching the internal residents as well as those who live on their own on the campus.
Notably selected by the student leaders, the program included a spoken tribute to the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a comedy sketch and then a celebrative musical medley remembering all armed forces through piano, euphonium horn and choral contributions.
As a point of connection, handmade paper sculpture stars were given to many in the audience.
Margaret Gaa, a resident, spoke of the "good in the students helping the residents there in remembering and reflecting on their important roles they had when their fathers and husbands and cousins fought in the wars while they stayed back home and supported them and waited for them, wondering and worrying."
The veterans themselves where called out and remembered in applause.
Rhianna Franz, a student leader who spoke, acted and played the piano for the tribute, said, "This is an opportunity to honor those who sacrificed so much for the freedoms we have today. It's also a chance to reach out to those who are somewhat isolated due to health conditions … they are special people with sweet hearts who really appreciate it when groups come and try to bring a smile to their faces. I hope we're able to do that for them."
Mentoring students in communication and leadership, Igniters meets regularly to study and practice better ways to speak in their communities. Effectively led by student leaders, the older students teach the younger ones through lessons and activities, along with demonstrations and modeling, and is supported by a trained sponsor and parent coaches.
The character focus is to love others in their communities and to put others first, and these students, all of which are home-schooled, said they "gave personal time to work on this program in order to make it happen."
When asked how he felt about the event, student leader Joshua Franz stated "This opportunity gives me a real-world experience that allows me to use my speaking skills while remembering those people who have fought and are currently fighting for our country."
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