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Robert Moore is having a busy week.

On Tuesday, the Korean War veteran participated in a Veterans Day ceremony at the Estell Manor School, which had to hold it a day early this year to accommodate its part-time music teacher’s schedule.

“We always have a ceremony so that students can see veterans rather than go shopping,” school Superintendent John Cressey said.

Today, Moore, commander of the Weymouth Township VFW Post 11468, will speak about his experiences in the Navy to students at the Weymouth Township School. A survivor of a sinking ship, he has some stories to tell.

“It’s good that the kids do this in school,” the 79-year-old said. “They get more of a chance to appreciate veterans.”

Many schools will be closed for the holiday. But more are staying open and inviting veterans to come, be honored and share their experiences.

“It’s creating a better learning experience and an appreciation of the sacrifice,” said James Giaquinto, superintendent in Absecon, which has held a ceremony at the school on Veterans Day for at least the past dozen years. This year, Terrence Forrester, a veteran of the Iraq War, will be the guest speaker.

November is already a major month for school closings. Between Election Day, the teachers’ convention, Veterans Day and Thanksgiving, students get at least a week off from school. Celebrating Veterans Day in school, especially on a week when it falls on a Wednesday, enhances rather than disrupts the education process, school officials said, and helps students understand the significance of the holiday.

Local school boards and unions decide the school calendar. This year, about half of the schools in Atlantic County will be open today.

Weymouth Township school Superintendent Donna Van Horn said they closed Monday, but intentionally stayed open on Veterans Day to use the day as a teachable moment.

“In light of the events in Afghanistan and Fort Hood, we want to show that the community has a commitment to the military,” she said. Students have brought in photos of family members or friends who have served in the military, which will be put on display.

“It’s surprising how many families here have members in the military, including our school secretary’s son,” Van Horn said. “This makes a personal connection because it affects us all.”

In the past, most veterans have been grandparents who served in World War II or Korea. But the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have generated a new generation of both veterans and active duty military.

Folsom’s Veterans Day program begins with breakfast and includes a slide show of local veterans past and present. Students are also collecting items such as phone cards and stamps to give to military families.

“We have some serving now, and some older veterans who come back year after year,” Folsom superintendent Jean Rishel said. “It is my true belief that if the students were home, they wouldn’t spend the time going to a ceremony. This lets us instill the importance of our veterans.”

Brigantine will begin the day with a moment of silence in memory of those killed in the shootings at Fort Hood in Texas and those who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan. The names of all local veterans will be read, and the school’s video “Proud to be an American” will be shown. Veterans will come and speak to students in class, or just read to the younger children. Everyone is asked to dress in red, white and blue.

“It goes on sporadically all day,” Superintendent Robert Previti said. “It is always amazing to see how many students have family members who are or have been in the military.”

For some, the day will hit especially close to home. At Lower Cape May Regional High School, students will plant a tree in memory of Army Sgt. Michael Scusa, an alumnus of the school who was killed in Afghanistan.

And although many schools will be closed, some still found ways to honor veterans. Students at the Smithville School in Galloway Township lined up to spell out a giant “USA” in red, white and blue on the school playground. Parent Mike Paci drew the outline and students filled it in, holding colored paper over their heads. An aerial photo was taken that will be put on cards the students will send to members of the Armed Forces and local veterans, thanking them for their service.

Contact Diane D'Amico:

609-272-7241

DDamico@pressofac.com

2 comments:

• Bobstake (244) posts 11:54 am

  As a veteran I am honored that some schools are using this day to praise & honor vets. I hope this trend continues and expands.

• sbmk2691 (4) posts 9:39 am

  I think it's funny that they "honor" them by holding school. They seem to "honor" Columbus Day and the NJEA convention by cancelling sessions. Maybe they're choosing to honor them in this manner because it's not a day of importance to them. If it fell on a Monday or Friday then it would more convenient for them. A "teachable moment"? That's laughable. If it's not on a standardized test, than there's no such thing.

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