Breakfast of champions

Julie Huss, The Derry News, N.H.
·2 min read

Nov. 16—LONDONDERRY — It was a breakfast of champions as veterans and their guests filled the Londonderry High School cafeteria for a morning of food, friendship, tributes and honor.

A veterans breakfast was held Saturday, Nov. 12, giving local veterans the opportunity to enjoy breakfast, fellowship with friends, and to hear a long list of tributes, patriotic music and special accolades for all they accomplished in the service of the nation.

The breakfast made a return after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

"It's so good to be back," said high school Assistant Principal Katie Sullivan who, along with a long list of student and community supporters, organized the breakfast and program.

Sullivan thanked all who offered that support, from the students in the high school's Pay It Forward Club, to town and school district officials and staff.

The breakfast began about a decade ago, Sullivan said, when the lobby at the high school gym offered a simple selection of coffee and muffins to veterans.

The event grew into what is now a cafeteria-filled event, with tables full of veterans and guests representing wars and conflicts dating back to World War II.

Student speakers during the program included high school students Jack Griffin and Natalie Howard, both members of the Blue Star Lancers group.

"Your sacrifice and everything you have done for this country will never be forgotten," Howard told the veterans in the room.

Senior Sean O'Mara added that hearing the veterans' stories of what they endured during conflicts and wars helps give the younger generation a deeper appreciation of the sacrifices made.

"We can't say we fully understand the extent of your sacrifice," he said. "We don't know what it's like to leave our families. But we are grateful to go to bed every night in the U.S. thanks to your sacrifice."

One honored veteran in the room was John Powers, 104, a World War II veteran of the 77th Infantry.

Powers received a special escort to the breakfast thanks to police, fire and the town's Public Works department.

For Powers, in a soft response to the honors, thanked everyone.

"I was very proud to be in the service," he said.

The morning also included patriotic music provided by the Londonderry High School Symphonic Band, and other special speeches and raffles.

Veteran Gene McGraw said he has enjoyed the breakfast for many years.

"I'm here every year they have it," he said. "It's always great."