As a way to remember and honor the brave men and women who died while serving in the United States military, Staten Island high school students gathered on Thursday for a special Memorial Day Tribute ceremony.
At least 12 high schools gathered at the Michael J. Petrides Education Complex in Sunnyside for the District 31 High School Memorial Day Ceremony. It was coordinated by JoAnne Nolemi, the District 31 military liaison and founder/president of the Island of Heroes Project, and John Cucuzza, a teacher at Petrides.
Petrides Principal Anthony Tabbitas said the event brings together schools across District 31 united “not just as educators and students, but as Americans who pause to remember and reflect.”
“Memorial Day is a time that we honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice is the reason that we’re able to speak freely, gather together, open and learn in peace,” he added.
It kicked off with a parade, with younger Petrides students waving American flags and chanting “USA” as veterans, school staff, Gold Star families and high school students walked to the school’s track and field, which contains the Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis monument.
Dozens of signs with the names of military members from Staten Island who were killed in action, called the “Staten Island Fallen Heroes” installation, were placed into the grass. Members of Rolling Thunder Chapter NY 2 raised the American and POW/MIA flags before the presentation of colors and the Pledge of Allegiance. Afrika Gbaguidi and Kamora Mitchell, students at Petrides, sang The Star-Spangled Banner.
Each Staten Island school gave a brief presentation of a fallen hero, which was a servicemember who attended their own high school. Petrides Principal Anthony Tabbitas called the event more than a moment of remembrance, but an opportunity for educators to teach and learn.
“It is a living lesson in gratitude, courage and unity as we listen to the students across the borough, the speeches and the tributes,” said Tabbitas. “Let us remember all of the brave and honored who devoted themselves to something greater than themselves. To our veterans and military families, thank you…To our students, may the ceremony inspire you to be thoughtful citizens, to carry forward the legacy of those we honor, and to always remember that true greatness often begins with service.”
James Hendon, commissioner of the city Department of Veterans’ Services, served as the keynote speaker, reminding students to talk about veterans and soldiers and educate others about their sacrifice.
“You don’t have to be a veteran to do that — anyone and everyone can. I keep telling people, I always say, we die twice — we die once when the breath leaves our body and our heart stops beating. We die the second time when people don’t say our name. So please do what you can to join with folks you saw organizing these things and be that next generation of organizers to make sure we always remember and love. We all have our role,” said Hendon.
Students were also commended for their work by Louis Bruschi, principal lead for strategic partnership and family and community engagement for District 31, who explained that these tributes and presentations were not the average school assignment.
Students prepared their work for the community, for Gold Star families, for active service military, veterans and for themselves to learn about Staten Island heroes.
“Because of this work, each student here today can now have the names of these heroes imprinted on their hearts. Heroes from decades and centuries past, our collective past, whose lives were cut short, and whose memories, service and sacrifice now live in their hearts. This is the greatest lesson one can learn, and the greatest tribute to our fallen heroes.” said Bruschi.
The ceremony closed with musical tributes from the Michael J. Petrides high school chorus and a solemn laying of wreaths. Each participant of the tribute then left a flag at the “Staten Island Fallen Heroes” installation.
Hosted by the Michael J. Petrides School, other schools who participated included Bridge Preparatory Charter School, Sunnyside; Curtis High School, St. George; Eagle Academy for Young Men of Staten Island, Stapleton; Gaynor McCown Expeditionary Learning School, New Springville; The Hungerford School, Sunnyside; New Dorp High School, New Dorp; Port Richmond High School, Port Richmond; Ralph R. McKee Career and Technical High School, St. George; Staten Island Technical High School, New Dorp; Susan E. Wagner High School, Sea View; and Tottenville High School, Huguenot.
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