Students Thank Veterans For Service

By Larissa Lytwyn

Newtown Middle School seventh graders in Shari Oliver and Val Leone’s classes recently organized what one veteran called a “heart-warming” Veterans’ Day tribute. Over a breakfast of muffins, bagels, and other baked goods, students interviewed their grandfathers, uncles, and family friends about their days in military service.

After breakfast and an opening performance of “The World Turned Upside Down” by student Sean Holcomb, Ms Oliver and Ms Leone gave guests a warm welcome. Students Matthew Narel and Christopher Marks reflected on the importance of remembering Veterans’ Day.

Makena Cunningham led the room into the Pledge of Allegiance. Afterward Kevin Bonacci sang the “Star Spangled Banner” and Lisa Favicchia shared “A Family’s Sacrifice,” discussing what Veterans’ Day meant to her.

Mary Kopcik, Maura McDade, and Katie Freeman presented a multimedia video, Thank You, Veterans. With Lee Greenwood’s “Proud to Be an American” and Celine Dion’s rendition of “God Bless America” playing in the background, the students juxtaposed information on the founding of Veterans’ Day with pictures of Mary’s grandfather, a World War II veteran, and other personal memorabilia.

After researching the founding of Veterans’ Day (then Armistice Day) on November 11, 1919 (originally honoring late World War I military personnel), the students assembled the presentation by attaching a video camera to Mary’s computer.

“We constructed the project [itself] in about two days,” she said.

The students said it had been important for them to reveal the significance of veterans’ sacrifices by detailing some of their day-to-day service experiences.

“I learned that some of the soldiers had to sleep outside, on the ground in the cold,” said Mary. “It wasn’t easy for them.”

The homage was concluded with social studies and language arts teacher Susan Lang leading students in an acoustic performance of Woodie Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land.”

“This is as good as it gets!” said attendee Alice Jackson, assistant superintendent of schools.

One veteran, former Major Philip Cruz, is now one of Newtown Middle School’s seventh grade language arts teachers. “I served in the military for 26 years,” he said, “from 1971 to 1996.” He described the student presentation as “incredibly well-done.”

“I first planned this event two years ago, after 9/11,” said Ms Oliver. “Last year I was on maternity leave, so now it’s back this year.”

Veterans ranged from World War II and Korean War servicemen to soldiers who served during the Vietnam era and the first Gulf War. Joseph Tenk, who served in the third division of the 9th Field Artillery during the Berlin Crisis, visited with his granddaughter, Ashley. “It was really great to see him here today,” she said.

“I enjoyed myself immensely,” Mr Tenk agreed, giving Ashley a warm hug before leaving.

Ms Oliver described the event as a success, as well as timely.

Mr Cruz concurred. “I know some people who are serving in Iraq right now,” he said. “It’s important for students — for everyone — to recognize Veterans’ Day.”