LITTLE FALLS, NY – Students, staff, and community members gathered at Benton Hall Academy on November 10, 2025, for a moving Veterans Recognition Program that honored local veterans through speeches, songs, and personal stories.
The event, held in the school’s auditorium for the first time, featured remarks from school leaders, a U.S. Army veteran, and the city’s mayor, who highlighted the often-overlooked role of military working dogs.
The program began with the presentation of the flag by the BHA Honor Guard, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a patriotic song, “This Land is Your Land.”
Principal David Beers welcomed attendees, setting a tone of gratitude and inspiration for the young audience.
Dr. Keith Levatino, the superintendent, shared the historical significance of the day and a personal family connection. “This day was originally called Armistice Day. The day was conceived as a tribute to the Americans who sacrificed their lives during World War One,” Levatino said.
He also recounted discovering the remains of his great-uncle, Staff Sergeant John Holoka, who died in a 1944 plane crash. “So I share that with you, because part of what I was given is this book of veterans, a memorial Book of World War Two, which outlines his picture and his time of service right here.”
Levatino noted the event coincided with the U.S. Marine Corps’ 250th birthday, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
Mayor Deborah Kaufman delivered the keynote speech, titled “Silver, the Hero Dog,” focusing on a German Shepherd who served in the Vietnam War.
“This hero’s name was Silver. Silver was a German Shepherd, and he served with a soldier — a dog handler — during the Vietnam War many years ago,” Kaufman explained.
She described Silver’s training and lifesaving duties: “If he smelled something dangerous, he would stop and freeze — perfectly still. That was his way of saying, ‘Wait! Don’t go there.’ And because of that, many lives were saved.”
Kaufman introduced Silver’s handler, retired Master Sgt. Dave Warner, who was in attendance. She also mentioned the Guardians of Freedom Memorial in Herkimer, featuring Marine Sergeant Adam Cann and his dog, Bruno, urging families to visit.
U.S. Army veteran Darin Lynch, a guest speaker and teacher, emphasized ways to show appreciation. “Show your appreciation to veterans. Simply saying, ‘Thank you for your service.’ It means a lot to our veterans,” Lynch said.
He honored those who faced immediate dangers: “I especially want to honor the men and women who served in places where the danger was real and immediate. They are the true heroes. They put themselves in danger, put themselves in harm’s way to protect us.”
Principal Beers provided closing remarks, reminding students of the veterans’ sacrifices. “I just want to remind you students that today and tomorrow, as we honor our veterans, please remember the amazing things they have done to keep us safe. They are heroes,” Beers said.
He encouraged the children: “And I think probably one of the greatest actions they want remembered is boys and girls like you can one day be heroes like them.”
The program included choral performances by third through fifth graders, singing “The Brave” and “Veterans March,” and an introduction of attending Veterans. A reception followed in the school library.
Organizers, including Miss Osborne, were praised for their efforts in hosting the event, which aimed to instill respect and patriotism in the next generation while paying tribute to those who served.
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