BY DAVE BENJAMIN
Staff Writer
MANALAPAN — A Freedom Walk dedicated to American veterans was completed on Nov. 17 at the Lafayette Mills School.
"Today we gather to dedicate our Freedom Walk in honor of American veterans," said Principal Mel Reid. "There isn’t anything more central, more primal, to the core of the American vision than the freedoms necessary for individual self-determination; the freedoms that allow us to be whom we choose to be.
"It is therefore altogether fitting that this walk, which symbolizes our freedom, be dedicated to the men and women who have, are and continue to make the personal sacrifices that defend us and our way of life," he said.
The event began with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance led by pupil Ryan O’Grady, followed by the Lafayette Mills School band, under the direction of teacher Dave Geltch, playing "The Star-Spangled Banner."
Student speakers then spoke of the freedoms enjoyed by Americans and the sacrifices made by American servicemen and servicewomen.
Cassie Inacio, vice chair of the student council, spoke about "Freedom," while Ryan O’Grady explained how to "Honor Our Veterans." Mitch Ganz, the student council chair, said "Thank You " to America’s heroes, and Shelby Reinish sang "America The Beautiful."
Reid told the pupils, "The light of the American vision is a beacon of hope to the world," and he said the nation’s veterans kept that beacon shining.
Honored at the ceremony were employees, Jack Stinemire and Vincent Tatesure, who are veterans of the Vietnam war.
"I would like us to take a moment to thank Jack and Vinnie personally, and to also symbolically express our gratitude to them for all we owe our American veterans." Reid said.
Stinemire and Tatesure cut two yellow ribbons that were stretched across the entrance to the walkway.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Lafayette Mills School Orchestra, under the direction of Tara Wolfe, played "God Bless America."
Reid said the Freedom Walk was a combined effort of teachers, parents, a grandparent and district groundsmen who worked together to bring the project to completion.
The principal recognized those who gave their time and effort to make the Freedom Walk a reality. They included teachers Scott Laurence, Dave Geltch, Bob Harvey, John Wroblesky, Melissa Hitchcock and Michele Avidon; and Assistant Principal Gregory Duffy. Also recognized were George Harold and Richard Bonvicino, parents; Paul Bonvicino, grandparent; and groundsmen James Bradbury, John Esteves and John Hussey.