South Plainfield Middle School Honors Fallen Heroes in Memorial Day Ceremony

SOUTH PLAINFIELD – The South Plainfield Middle School (SPMS) observed Memorial Day with a special ceremony on May 23rd honoring those who lost their lives serving the United States of America in the armed forces.

The service began with "The Star Spangled Banner," performed by the SPMS Chamber Orchestra and conducted by Orchestra Director Sarah Livecchi. “God Bless America” was then sung by the 8th Grade Chorus, led by Choral Director Katherine Haughwout.

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Assistant Principal Kelly Richkus opened the service with introductions of special guests, which included veterans Adjutant of American Legion Lt. Army Colonel Rich Doerr, who served in Vietnam, and Sgt. Major Marine Core John McConville, who served in Desert Storm in Iraq. Also in attendance were NJ State Senator Patrick Diegnan, Town Council Member Christine Faustini, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Mary Malyska and Director of Curriculum grades K-6 Patrick Sarullo. Board of Education members Bill Sesselberg and Divon Pender also attended the ceremony.

Richkus took the opportunity to welcome SP Police Officers Rene Marte, Anthony Louis, Steven Petriello and Zach Melanson as well as SP Rescue Squad Mayan Paliwal, Sheiya Satyavolu and Holly Laferrera, and SP Fire Department volunteers John Carvey, John Basalatal, Edward Laferrero and Bill Conti.

The SPMS 8th Grade Band, conducted by Band Director Andrew Veiss, then performed "Lest We Forget," introduced by student Dakshita Agarwal, a song meant to remind all not to forget those who lost their lives in war.

"Memorial Day is more than just a holiday, it is a sober remembrance of our countless men and women who have laid down their lives so that we might enjoy the freedoms we often take for granted," said SP Middle School Principal Leo Whalen.

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Whalen emphasized to the students, who looked on from the bleachers on either side of the Middle School gym, that it is because of the sacrifices of these great heroes that they are able to pursue an education in peace, speak freely and live the lives they choose.

"We must remember that our freedom has been paid for with the lives of heroes, a debt we can never fully repay but must always acknowledge," Whalen concluded.

All eyes fell on the band on stage as 8th grader Carter Patterson introduced "This Is My Country," an American patriotic song composed in 1940.

An intricate part of carrying on the Memorial Day Service tradition, SPMS History Teacher Joe Bondo took to the podium.

"It is my ardent goal that the students assembled will always remember the people we are honoring and the reason we are honoring them," said Blondo. "We citizens owe a debt of gratitude to the hundreds of thousands of men and women who sacrificed their lives on battlefields so that we can live in peace and freedom."

Blondo explained to the audience that we have an obligation to those being honored. Their sacrifice reminds everyone that freedom cannot be bought cheaply and has a high cost. Each generation has a duty to protect this freedom.

"Memorial Day is to remember the fallen, Veterans Day is to remember those who have served," said Blondo as he acknowledged the veterans present, and the entire auditorium gave them a standing applause of gratitude.

Eighth grade student Brody Rinaldi presented a memorial wreath in appreciation of service while a moment of silence was observed and "Taps," performed by the FDNY Pipes and Drums, echoed through the gymnasium.

Blondo introduced NJ State Senator Patrick Diegnan. "People from all over the world want to come  to this country," said Diegnan, "I'm looking around here. I guarantee you that every conceivable ethnic group in the world is sitting here in this gym, and I'm sure many of you are first generation, or you came here as immigrants yourselves."

Diegnan went on to explain that the reason immigration is possible is because we are a free country, but freedom isn't for free. Referring to the veterans and first responders sitting before him, Diegnan said that freedom is because of their heroism.

As Whalen closed the service, he added to Diegnan's remarks saying the Middle School emails are translated into 26 different languages before they are sent out to the parents and guardians of South Plainfield 7th and 8th graders.

"There are a lot of different ethnic groups represented here," said Whalen. "And we've all come together."

Whalen thanked Blondo and Veiss for heading up the organization of the event as well as LeVecchi and Haughwout and everyone in attendance.

As students made their way back to class and the assembly members departed to continue their days and prepare for a long weekend, many lingered, reflecting on the true meaning of Memorial Day.

"Through the middle school years of each of my four children, and during my 7 years on Council, the SPMS Memorial Day Service has been a tradition," said Faustini. "Mr. Blondo, Mr. Whalen, the music teachers and school staff make sure our children know what Memorial Day is all about. It's so much more than BBQ’s and kicking off summer celebrations that sometimes drown out the solace and importance of the holiday. My sincere thanks to each of them."

"It's always a pleasure to attend the Middle School Memorial Service to observe our veterans and first responders," said Diegnan. "We are a country that enjoys freedom and people from all over the world want to come to America to be a part of what we have."

"It's an honor to be here today to remember those who lost their lives to maintain our freedom, " said Pender. "This service gives younger generations the opportunity to understand the sacrifices made to uphold a country of freedom."

"I think it's very fitting that the Middle School is giving honors to the people who've made the ultimate sacrifice," said Lt. Colonel Doer. "It was a very respectful ceremony and very patriotic. I give thanks for Mr. Blondo and the Middle School staff for holding this wonderful ceremony."

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