Hauppauge Hosts Patriotic, Interactive Memorial Day Assembly

HAUPPAUGE, NY — Hauppauge High School hosted a Memorial Day event Wednesday to honor the country and community's heroes while providing students with special insights and experiences, the school district announced.

The event began with a full patriotic opening of students, staff, first responders and members of the military unfurling a giant American Flag on the football field. Top commanders from Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn and West Point were in attendance. Members of the U.S. Army moved into a formation on the football field as the high school’s chamber choir and band performed.

Then, students watched in awe as a Black Hawk helicopter flew across the football field. Officers waved to students from the helicopter before it made a swift landing on the adjoining field.

After the exciting demonstrations, Hauppauge High School teachers split into teams for a fun relay race. Students cheered on their teachers through a three-legged race, egg-and-spoon relay and race on rolling scooters.

Students were then able to visit the many booths lining the football field. Members of the Hauppauge Fire Department, Central Islip-Hauppauge Volunteer Ambulance Corps., Suffolk County Police Department, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department and Army greeted them with information and interactive demonstrations. Several hosted physical fitness "competitions" as well as a robotics demonstration.

Beyond that, students could visit the various military vehicles situated on the field, including the Black Hawk helicopter, tanks and a rough terrain simulator.

Students were also free to enjoy the beautiful weather, playing field games such as corn hole and spikeball while a Mr. Softee truck provided delicious ice cream.