TORRINGTON – Beaming with American pride and honor, the fourth-grade students of Trail Elementary showed off their patriotic spirit during their “This is America” musical on Thursday, Nov. 9th. 

“This is America; a land of courage, faith and honor,” the fourth-grade students sang out during the song “This is America.” “A land of truly polities. A land of hope and pride; a land of unity. A land of liberty.”

The songs performed in the musical included “This is America,” “Star Spangled Banner,” “American Tears,” “Mighty United” and “The Lights of Freedom.” During the program, they also recited the pledge and acknowledged any attendants who were veterans or active military. In the song “The Lights of Freedom,” the students performed a special light show with red and blue lights. 

The children sported various patriotic clothing, including military uniforms, firefighter costumes and outfits in red, white and blue. 

“America has got to be the greatest place in the world,” both Alivia Morris and Teagan Muilenburg, two fourth-grade students, said to open the performance. “But America couldn’t have become the greatest place in the world without a little help. We’re talking about our military, doctors, nurses, and teachers.”

“Also, our hometown heroes like our police officers and firefighters,” they continued. “Tonight, we would like to thank America’s heroes.”

The musical was a tribute to America’s heroes, patriots and freedom. Each song was a unique piece created to pay tribute to America and its heroes, emphasize unity, speak of freedom and liberty and recognize all 50 states. 

According to www.musick8.com, “This is America” by Teresa Jennings is a celebration of our country. 

Throughout the musical, the children incorporated several historical themes including quotes by Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Paine and Franklin D. Roosevelt, along with many others. They also conveyed different facts about the United States and what makes the country special.