[ back ]
BITS AND PIECES - 11/16/2008
(by Howard Ball - OpEd Columnist - November 19, 2008)
Thank you Richard Butler School!
The young people of Richard Butler Middle School presented a breakfast to honor veterans on Nov. 11 and gave their parents and the people of Butler every reason to be proud. There was a feeling of community in the room as the young people offered their hospitality to the folks who had come to remember American heroes.
For us old duffers who munched on doughnuts and brownies, it was a time to remember old friends who were there and some who were not.
The colors were posted by young National Guardsmen from the 2nd Battalion 113th Infantry, who are still on station to train the new recruits as they enlist. The screen on stage bore the likeness of Sgt. Robert Dollaway who was sitting at his desk in Iraq. The marvel of the computer age put this deployed soldier at the table with veterans of World War Two, Korea, Vietnam and all the wars and actions since then. Sgt. Dollaway's wife Rebecca was there to present the view of the spouses of our deployed troops. She has been untiring in her efforts to get help for the families to assist in filling the void left by a deployed family member.
The Butler Board of Education should be proud of the work being done in its schools. The young people who stood at the back of the crowd listened intently as veterans spoke briefly of their service.
The kids were sure to visit the tales and thank the veterans for their service. It was evident they knew what they were talking about and the essays at each table proved it. Teacher JoAnn Worman had orchestrated a meaningful program and U.S. Senator Robert Menendez said he chose the Butler School because the young people were in charge and it was a community affair. NJ Assemblyman Alex DeCroce spoke warmly of the veterans and thanked the young people for their enthusiasm.
I watched teacher Lyn Casaleggio as she directed the chorus. It occurred to me that she and Ms. Worman are in the war too. They show the children the reason why our freedom is so precious. The smile on Ms. Casaleggio's face showed the pride she had in the young people as they sang “America the Beautiful” and “This Land is Your Land.” There were tears in my eyes as the band played our National Anthem. A young girl sang "God Bless America" and it reminded me of sitting in this old living room as Kate Smith sang that song. I thought of people of several generations who gave so much so we could be there. I thought of the pain when we heard the names of those killed in action and the joy of seeing the ones who returned. In some little measure we have to let the young people of today know what it is all about. As I looked around me, I realized that these young people were learning first hand.
As we left the building, there was a ceremony on a little knoll and the mournful notes of “Taps” were echoing through the Butler hills. I snapped to attention and hand saluted, as the thoughts of many brave heroes raced through my mind. God has blessed America with many brave men and women who never questioned the call – from those feisty farmers at Lexington and Concord to the men and women in harm's war around the world today that have served the nation well. Thank you, Richard Butler School for reminding me!
| Comments (1) |
On November 19, 2008 Barbara said:
You are such a great American Howard. Looking at our year book, there you are with Bill Clegg and Elwood Verduin, my late brother in law. raising the flag at PLHS. |
| |
[ back ]
