Yesterday, Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) joined 8th grade students from Notre Dame School in New Hyde Park as well as local veterans and their families to celebrate the 2021 Veterans Portrait Project at the Long Island Children's Museum. This unique project, which started in early October, paired the students with local veterans who compiled biographies of the veterans and learned about their experiences of deployment, serving our country and coming home. Inspired by former President George W. Bush and his tribute to America’s veterans as portrayed in his book “Portraits of Courage,” the students then painted watercolor portraits of these heroes using different art techniques they learned.

“I know everyone who participated can take something positive away from the experience,” said Ra. “The students were amazed at the lives and stories of our veterans, who were equally impressed by the focus and quality of these students' work. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone involved in this project. Promoting community while honoring our local heroes is something we must all strive to do each day.”

The reception was a tremendous success with over 125 guests, including local veterans and their families, the 8th grade students of Notre Dame along with their families, teachers and administration officials from the school, LICM Museum President Suzanne LeBlanc and members of the museum’s board of trustees. The community gallery will feature the Veterans Portrait Project for the duration of November.