Annual Veterans Celebration Held at John Jay High School

By Jennifer L. Warren

HOPEWELL JUNCTION – “What you are seeing today is one of the more important civics lessons you will ever see, students,” Dr. Dwight Bonk, Superintendent of the Wappingers Central School District, emphasized Friday morning just across from the school’s front entrance.

Here, last Friday, on a crystal blue-hued sky, sunny, crisp, late fall morning, a host of colorful, small American Flags could be detected, starting at the entrance and lining the perimeter of the school’s grounds; while two, large American Flags atop a Hopewell Junction Fire Truck wavered, neighboring another striking one already hoisted on a pole.

Meanwhile, patriotic melodies filled the airwaves as a proud ensemble of local veterans, donning military attire gathered as hundreds of high school students respectfully looked upon the moving scene. Once again, John Jay High School was receiving that critical “civics lesson” in the form of in-person heroes, relaying information about one of the most transformative groups in our country: the military.

“Today is a day of remembrance; it’s also a day of rejoicing, and one where all Americans can show respect for those who made sacrifices,” said James Reynolds, Commander American Legion Post 1758, who relayed the history of Veteran’s Day, including its first Proclamation on October 8, 1954 by President Dwight Eisenhower, which entailed calling upon people to observe the day as well as directing government officials to display the American flag on public buildings “There are many ways to show recognition, but the easiest way, is to say, ‘thank you,’ to a veteran.” Reynolds added, “Our message to veterans today is simple: “We will always remember you.”

Following Reynolds’ remarks, John Jay student, senior, Ava Dvorak, as she has done the past several years at this ceremony, delivered a beautiful singing of the National Anthem. The flag was then raised as taps were played and all present looked on, many with their hands placed on their hearts as they showed respect to the military figures in front of them as well as the numerous ones our country has lost.

“Veteran’s Day is more than a holiday; it is a day of remembrance of men and women who displayed strength, loyalty, resilience and sacrifice above self that allows us to pursue our dreams today,” John Jay High School Principal, David Kedzielawa, said. “Let this Veterans Day be a reminder that service comes in many forms, and it is something we can do each day. He continued, “To our veterans: Thank you for your service; let us all stand in unity today, remembering those who serve, serve for us.”

Another one of those tangible forms of that service-laden with lofty, admirable human traits- took to the front podium, reminding those in attendance, why so many did and continue to do the valiant deeds required of a military member.

“We do what we do for you, and it’s really all about being kind to one another,” affirmed Virgil Capollari, Officer, VFW Post 5913. “Thanking a veteran is not only a way to show gratitude; rather, it’s about upholding the values and world we fought so hard to preserve.”

As the ceremony wound down, students, along with faculty and staff, as well as the several political and school dignitaries on hand, had that very opportunity to show their gratitude right in front of a contingent of local military guests, spanning a range of wars our country endured, securing priceless freedoms. Dr. Bonk, led the chant, “On the count of three, I’m going to give you the chance to say, ‘Thank you veterans.’”

On cue, proud chants of those three potent, well received words could be heard reverberating throughout the front school grounds, signifying appreciation as well as for many, a real world, priceless civics lesson.