ROXBURY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION

42 North Hillside Avenue, Succasunna, New Jersey 07876

www.roxbury.org

Mrs. Loretta Radulic, Superintendent             Ms. Ann Rhodes, Community Relations/Community School Coordinator

Phone: (973) 584-6867 / Fax: (973) 252-1434             Phone: (973) 584-7699 / Fax: (973) 252-1434

Email: lradulic@roxbury.org             Email: arhodes@roxbury.org  

ROXBURY, NJ (November 21, 2018) – Photographs, military gear, discharge papers, and other artifacts were on display for the students and staff at Lincoln/Roosevelt School this past Veteran’s Day. This year the school experienced Veteran’s Day by learning about its origins along with a Veteran’s Day Museum.

Social Studies Teacher Melissa Davenport with the assistance of fellow Social Studies Teacher Eric Roy, enlisted the staff at Lincoln/Roosevelt School to bring in mementos from members of their families who have served over the years during war and peace. A handful of staff brought in these items to help share the history of just a few of our nation’s veterans in honor of Veteran’s Day.

The culmination of these items were used to create a Veteran’s Day Museum for the fifth and sixth graders at LRS. Over the course of November 6th and 7th, the entire student population had a chance to visit the museum, learn about the different branches of the military, and hear some stories as they related to the memorabilia on display.

Sixth grader, Gavin Gardner, in particular, who contributed photos and artifacts, was proud and excited to explain his family’s military connection and the service they provided to our country to fellow classmates and teachers. Many of the items were from his grandfather who was in Vietnam and his great-grandfather who fought in World War II.

Prior to leaving the museum, all were encouraged to sign a ‘thank you for your service’ banner that was to be delivered to a local VFW.

In addition to the museum, Davenport and Roy put together a Veteran’s Day assembly on the 7th. Music teacher Ellen Ng played patriotic music as the students entered the auditorium followed by Principal Chris Argenziano’s opening remarks.

Argenziano’s grandfathers both served and had photos and discharge papers on display in the museum. He shared at the assembly, “We can never fully repay our debt of gratitude to the more than 650,000 American service-members who died in battle or the 1.4 million who were wounded. We can, however, recognize and thank the 25 million veterans still living today.”

Adding, “These words are inscribed on the Korean War Memorial in Washington, D.C.: ‘Our nation honors her sons and daughters who answered the call to defend a country they never knew and a people they never met.’ Those words apply equally to many of our World War I, World War II, Vietnam War, and Gulf War veterans as well. They apply to today’s active duty service-members—tomorrow’s veterans—who are helping to maintain peace throughout the world. Today, it is our privilege to say thank you to all of America’s veterans, to let them know that we appreciate them for their service and honor them for their sacrifices.”

Davenport and Roy shared the history of Armistice Day, a few history clips, as well as provided information on how students can help veterans through various organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project, Homes For Our Troops, and Operation Write Home.

Instrumental music teachers Kate Katz also sang at the assembly while Ray Henricksen played Taps on the trumpet.

Mr. Argenziano explained to the students that “Taps” is a bugle call played at dark, during flag ceremonies, and at military funerals by the United States Armed Forces that dates back to the American Civil War.

For more information on Veteran’s Day, students are encouraged to visit https://www.brainpop.com/socialstudies/culture/veteransday/.

PHOTO ATTACHED (courtesy of Roxbury Public Schools)

For more information, contact: Roxbury Community School/Community Relations Coordinator Ann Rhodes at arhodes@roxbury.org or 973-584-7699.

ABOUT ROXBURY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Roxbury Public Schools is a K-12 school district preparing the children of today for tomorrow. As a dynamic and thriving district, in partnership with a supportive and collaborative community, Roxbury Public Schools inspires and empowers all learners to flourish as ethical and global citizens in the 21st century. The district serves students throughout Roxbury Township, New Jersey, including the areas of Landing, Kenvil, Succasunna, Ledgewood, Mount Arlington, Port Morris, Flanders, and Wharton. Connect with us online at www.roxbury.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RoxburyPublicSchools.