The Bristol Elks Veterans Committee surprised students at Colt Andrews Elementary with the news that they would be receiving a new piece of interactive, educational playground equipment for the upcoming school year during the school’s annual Memorial Day commemoration event last Friday, May 26.

Ginny Hanson, the Elks Veterans Committee chairwoman, said the new equipment would be installed in September, and would be available for many generations of Colt Andrew students for years to come.

The always spirited and heartwarming event featured various readings from Colt Andrews students, a flag folding demonstration, the recognition of veterans in each military branch, and readings from the winners of the Elks’ essay contest featuring the theme, “What is your American Dream?”

Bristol Veterans Council President Wally Coelho perhaps put it best when he remarked, “I want to thank each and every one of you, from the teachers to all the students. There’s many events that happen around Memorial Day, and I can speak for all of my brothers and sisters that this is the one we look most forward to.”

“Because you guys touch our hearts.”