Memorial Day at Asbury Park Middle School

Memorial Day at Asbury Park Middle School

On May 23, 2014, in remembrance of the upcoming Memorial Day, Mr. Williams, 5^th grade teacher and veteran, Mr. Wronko, seventh grade social studies teacher, and their students had an assembly honoring three veterans from three major wars, World War II, the Korean War (Forgotten War), and the Vietnam War. Those veterans were Lou Parisi, World War II veteran, Alfonso Freda, Korean War veteran, and George Reed, Vietnam veteran. The assembly consisted of two power point presentations, the veterans providing background information about their service, student questions for the veterans, and a visual presentation of the Arlington Cemetery.

The first power point presentation was about the true meaning of Memorial Day. The true meaning of Memorial Day power point was created by Mr. Mason, seventh grade science teacher, and presented by Civinsky Labord, Asbury Park Middle School student. This power point consisted of all the memorials celebrating the service of our brave men and women of the armed forces. Students observing this presentation had learned that Memorial Day was about these brave men and women who gave or were willing to give their lives so that everyone living in America could enjoy the world of freedom.

The second power point presentation was about the history of the Arlington Cemetery. The Arlington Cemetery power point was created by Mr. Wronko and presented by Deyonna Carter, Asbury Park Middle School student. In this power point, there was background information about how the Arlington Cemetery was created and why the history of this place would never be forgotten. Students understood that if they went on a trip to the Arlington Cemetery, it was to celebrate all those men and women who gave their lives for the United States.

After the second power point presentation was given, the veterans provided a background about the wars they served in. Lou Parisi, Alfonso Freda, and George Reed not only provided the background information about the wars they served in but also they were the best visuals students could have while studying history. Once the veterans were done with their presentations, the students asked them numerous questions that helped students understand World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

Finally, Mr. Williams gave a visual lecture on his smart board about the Arlington Cemetery. Mr. Williams also provided more background information about the importance of the cemetery as well as informed the students about people he knew who died during combat.

In closing, a special thanks goes out to Lou Parisi, Alfonso Freda, and George Reed for coming to Asbury Park Middle School. In addition, another thanks goes out to Mr. Williams for help coordinating this event, Mr. Mason for the creation of his Memorial Day power point, Mr. Kames for taking pictures, Mr. Cuccurullo for assisting the veterans to their location, and supervisors, Zakiya G. Del Orbe and Mr. Parham, for their ongoing assistance.