St. Mary-St. Michael School in Derby holds ceremony

To mark start of Memorial Day weekend

Students, teachers assemble Friday morning for annual program outside school. 

Veterans listen to students talk about Memorial Day. At right is St. Mary-St. Michael School Principal Linda Coppola.

Eighth grader Alexis Pudimat reads the history of Memorial Day.

Derby Mayor Anita Dugatto talks about remembering the reason for the holiday.

Bernard Williamson, left, of Derby, plays Taps as rifle guard members Paul Varsanik, George Goodman, and Mike Heise stand by. Williamson said he and other veterans decorated the graves of 1,700 veterans with flags at five cemeteries earlier in the week. "They are the reason we are free," he said.

Derby veteran Ray Gagne gives a fist pump to a student after the program.

Students greet, thank veterans at the conclusion of the program.