BELFAST – Patriotic songs echoed through the halls of the East Side School on Wednesday as flowers of thanks were given by the pupils to area law enforcement and emergency services workers.

From kindergarten to fifth grade, 100 schoolchildren lined the gymnasium to welcome the parents and grandparents of their classmates who serve as police officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians and who work with the Salvation Army.

“Today it is our pleasure to show you our appreciation for the job you do in our community,” Principal Jody Henderson told the Belfast police officers and firefighters, Searsport firefighters and the head of the local Salvation Army.

“We thank you for helping people in need, for the care you give others, for risking your lives while saving and protecting people, for being there when people need you most, for having the ambulance, firetruck and cruiser ready. … For being our heroes, we appreciate and thank you,” Henderson said.

Led by teacher Lynn Hoenig, the children sang a rousing version of “America, Hip, Hip, Hooray.”

Pupils with parents and grandparents in law enforcement and emergency services were called to stand beside them and present them with a corsage. Posters made by the pupils honoring those who serve were given to their family members to take back to police and fire stations.

The pupils recite the Pledge of Allegiance and sing patriotic songs each morning before beginning their classes. Gathering them all in a group each morning promotes “community building,” said Hoenig, and has occurred daily for the past four years.

“We are so happy this school has such a high representation” of family members in law enforcement and emergency services, said teacher Cynthia Hargraves-Tobin. “These are just the most precious students. They are well behaved and enjoy each other. We don’t have any problems in this school.”

Those honored were: Belfast police Officers Michael McFadden, Eric Kelly, Ken Fitzjurls and Brian Cunningham; Belfast firefighters Ernie Young, Earl Moody and Terry Cook; Searsport EMT Ernie Moore; Brooks firefighter Scott Saucier; and Salvation Army Capt. Lewis Rosa.