BY PATRICIA KELLER
WEST MILFORD — The West Milford High School held their annual “War and Remembrance” ceremony on Tuesday, May 22 in remembrance of those who served in the military that were killed in action.
The ceremony also served to honor post-service deceased Veterans, to show to local surviving Veterans and current servicemen/women, and to support current students who will enlist in the military after graduation.
The ceremony was solemn, respectful, and awe-inspiring.
Remembrance
Honored guests in attendance were invited to begin their day at the school for a breakfast buffet prior to the ceremony.
Students and staff members assembled in the school gym, and Principal Paul Gorski welcomed Veterans and guests.
The Highlander Band Pipes and Drum Corps lead a procession of the Veterans into the auditorium. Seniors and Eagle Scouts Nick Ligosh and Peter Oselador performed the presentation of flags, and the high school chorus sang the National Anthem.
The Westbrook Elementary School 4th grade Chorus also sang a song for the honorees and crowd.
Junior, Kelsey Murphy read a speech for the occasion. Seniors, Jack Gadomski and Lindsey Renna, read the list of names of the Veterans in attendance, the names of those who were not able to attend, and the names of current students who will enlist.
The seniors then read the names of local Veterans that recently passed away, and those who were killed in action during their time of service, followed by a moment of silence. A ceremonial Memorial wreath was presented and saluted by local Veterans of Foreign Wars officers Bill Johnson and Herbert Sands.
“Taps” was performed in the distance by Highlander Band members Peter Oselador and Peter Suckiel. Highlander Band Pipe Major Danielle Dreyer performed as the “lone bagpiper” with “Amazing Grace”.
Gorski drew the crowd to their feet in a standing ovation. Students lined up to personally thank, shake hands and speak with the honored guests as they exited.
War-Veterans provide living history lessons by sharing their experiences later in the day in classes.
In the lower Media Center, West Milford Police Officers/Veterans Kevin Canova and Mike Onembo spoke to students about the positive experiences and opportunities they had as a result of their service in the military in recent years.
They said the military experience assisted them in discovering their interests and provided direction and resources for pursuing their chosen career paths, provided opportunities for free higher and specialty education, taught them discipline and respect, provided travel opportunities, and more.
Both men said their military experience prepared them well for their post-discharge careers as police officers.
These Veterans shared how difficult and traumatic it was for them as they saw many of their fellow soldiers injured or killed in action.
To conclude their day of recognition and remembrance, a luncheon was also provided for the remaining participating Veterans as a token of thanks for sharing their personal experiences as important living History lessons for the students.
Gratitude for War and Remembrance participants were:
Canova, Kevin
Casbarro, Bruce
Cavana, June
Einbinder, Sharon,
Degraff, Ron
Gagliardi, Anthony
Gehrold, Sean
Gill, Charles
Gould, Fred
Hansen, Art
Hopper, Robert
Johnson, Bill
Kim, Andrew
Kimble, Richard
Loughman, Patrick
Moon, Blake
Ollearo, Ed
Onembo, Michael
Plunkett, Jerry
Sands, Herbert
Stramaglia, Brian
Unable to Attend:
Blythe, Terry
Congleton, Warren
Connors, Donald
Connors, Joseph
Connors, Tom
Curcio, Jeremy
Efthimiades, Joshua
Gargyi, Ryan
Little, Brandon
McCormick, Henry
Munsch, Herbert
Murphy, Andrew
Murphy, Ed
Nolan, Ed
O'Reilly, Chip
Petrucelli, Andrew
Plunkett, Jerry
Riker, Wayne
Sacco, Peter
Snook, Nick
Stabile, Anthony
Storbeck, Chief Timothy
Thorne, Jennifer (Ollearo)
Trojanowski, John
Trumbetti, Amanda
Webb, Donald
Wenzel, Glenn
Wielhouwer, Paul