Undecided election adds meaning to military’s contributions
By: John Patten
EAST WINDSOR -Wednesday’s celebration of Veterans Day in East Windsor Regional School District schools carried added importance and meaning, according to teacher Connie Gaydos.
Ms. Gaydos has been organizing appearances at the Perry Drew School by local veterans for about nine Veterans Days. But with the students watching and waiting to learn who will be the next president as four veterans spoke about the importance of freedom and democracy, Ms. Gaydos said the lessons became more meaningful to the students.
And as the Drew School students listened to former Women’s Air Corps enlistee Gertrude McSpiritt, Tuskegee Airman Paul Mitnaul, and Walter Nagel and Morris Lefkowitz of the Jewish War Veterans explain the importance of remembering veterans, students in Jack Dunn’s social studies classes listened to one of World War II’s most decorated soldiers.
Before classes began Wednesday, the Drew School students held an assembly and flag raising with the veterans. As the students hung up coats and put their lunch boxes away, Student Council president and fourth-grader Caitlin Colette introduced the vets over the school’s PA system.
"These people have helped our country magnificently and we are all thankful for them," she said. "Thinking back, with all the wars and such, and recently the bombing on the USS Cole, we should all take the time to recognize all who fought for the U.S. and all veterans who we have lost."
The students then gathered at the school’s flagpole, raising the flag as teacher Linda Behrens played "Taps," then sang "America" and "You’re a Grand Old Flag" as they marched back to their classrooms.
After the ceremony, the veterans visited the students, answering their questions, sharing pictures and stories of their lives in service to the country.
"They were marvelous," Ms. McSpiritt said. "They listened so attentively."
Ms. McSpiritt said she pointed out to the students how Memorial Day is to remember the veterans who have died in wars, while Veterans Day is meant to remember the service given by veterans still living.
And few living veterans have more memories than Royal Marine Sgt. Maj. Leslie Errat, presented to the students in Mr. Dunn’s class by U.S. Marine Sgt. Major Robert Mastriano.
Sgt. Maj. Errat was one of Britain’s most decorated servicemen, following tours of duty in World War II, Korea, the Suez Canal crisis in 1956 and Northern Ireland.
As he regaled the students with tales of battling Hitler’s armies, Korean winters and frightening Irish rebels, Sgt. Maj. Mastriano held up Sgt. Maj. Errat’s collection of medals, including the U.S. Silver Star and Britain’s Distinguished Service Medal and about a dozen others.
"He has contributed to the freedom in Britain and the world," Sgt. Maj. Mastriano said. "Every conflict Great Britain has been involved in the last 50 years, he has fought in."
And, Sgt. Maj. Mastriano said, students recognize his authority in speaking about subjects they usually encounter in textbooks and movies.
"The kids were very attentive and they did get something out of it," he said.

