"To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day (Veterans Day) will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations..."
President Woodrow Wilson, November 1919.

It was with great honor that the FCTS Drum Line was invited to participate in the November 11, 2009 Greenfield Veterans Day Parade. The Drum Line members and Music Director, Dave Maloney, had prepared well for the event, and it showed in the quality of their music and in the Drum Line members respectful attitude for a day of remembrance that is so important to so many people who served their country in times of war and peace.

Those of us kindly referred to as the "Drum Line Moms" (Cindy Caplice, Barbara Williams and Jocelyn Croft) want everyone to know how incredibly proud we are of the Drum Line. Not only are these students skilled -- providing wonderful rhythm to any event, but also importantly, to the respectful behavior that they exhibit! Veterans Day is an important event - many people, the young men and women of their day, put themselves directly in the line of fire to protect our country and the lives of others. November 11th is the day set aside to commemorate the sacrifice that people have made, and are now making today, in the name of the United States of America.

Our Drum Line was so respectful of the day! Everyone of you make us proud to know you and to be part of your high school experience. Day in and day out people see poor examples of behaviors on tv, and that includes the behaviors of teens, young adults and older adults. These displays, often negative, leave many with little hope for the future generation. But we know better! There are many wonderful teens in this world who are developing into the people who will eventually become our great, future leaders. To those in the FCTS Drum Line, you are truly ambassadors for FCTS and great examples to your generation.