11/11/11: A Veterans Day to Remember

Since 2002, has been in session on Veterans Day, a change that has proved valuable and effective, according to Schools Supt. Ralph Iassogna.

And while most students understand the value of spending the day learning about veterans, ongoing construction limited the activities in recent years, including visits from veterans and the tradition assembly held for seniors.

When the assembly moved to during the auditorium's construction, teachers were charged with instructing students about Veterans Day in the classroom. Students commented that while some teachers worked hard to incorporate lessons, others did little to commemorate those who had served or currently serve our country in the military. 

But the 2011-2012 school year proved different. Mr. Keif Doyle, a veteran of the Gulf War and an English Teacher at Trumbull High School and Kathy Rubano, the Department Chair of Social Studies, worked tirelessly to make a change, Iassogna said.

Rubano, who has coordinated the event for the past four years, said the 2011 ceremony was the best year ever.

“From the feedback I received, the veterans were so impressed with our students, the ceremony, Chambers Singers, THS Marching Band. I loved the question and answer period at the beginning of the official ceremony. An added bonus was the introduction of all the veterans and the group picture at the end. It was great having a former student Jeff Liu, [in his first year at West Point,] visit the classes and participate in the ceremony.”

In addition to Jeff Liu and more than 40 veterans, Iassogna greeted the senior class at the start of the assembly. Additional guest speakers included First Selectman Timothy Herbst, State Senator Anthony Musto, State Legislative Representatives T.R. Rowe and Anthony Hwang, and Captain Thomas E. Lee, the Keynote Speaker. 

Anthony Musto spoke first, asking the audience to remember the sacrifices of the veterans.

“Remember what these people did. We can’t imagine what it was like.” At the end of his speech, he went on to thank both the veterans in the audience and all who served.

T.R. Rowe said that Veterans Day was his favorite day of the year because it was a day he was surrounded by heroes. 

“Seniors, this is as important as it gets. This is as big picture as it gets.” He ended his address asking for peace. “Pray for the veterans; pray for the troops; pray for the active military; pray for peace.”

Tony Hwang spoke next, stating it was a privilege to represent the people in Connecticut and to attend the THS Veterans Day events.  He recognized the many veterans in attendance, including Tony Cavalliere, Donald Smith, Vincent F. Cavalier, Bob Sherwood, Fred Robertucci, Ed Donato, and Frank Tyburski.

“We thank you, applaud you, and honor you,” Hwang said.

Afterward Keynote speaker Thomas E. Lee, a Korean War veteran, and attorney, thanked the Board of Education for hosting the event since 2002 and addressed, along with other topics, the challenges of being in the military today.

Julie Luby, a new B House Principal attended the ceremony for the first time and was inspired by the speakers.

“The ceremony held at THS was dignified and moving. My eyes filled with tears many times while listening. My father-in-law is a veteran and I’ve made him promise to attend next year.”

While the ceremony was emotional for many who attended, Rubano was also impressed in how the entire school made significant contributions. For the first time, departments across the disciplines participated in classroom activities, fundraising for veteran groups, and provided guest speakers, creating a school newspaper with a Veteran’s Day section and the desktop publishing class created the brochure for the assembly.  

 Brendan Moore a senior at THS spent the day participating in various activities that paid tribute to the veterans.

“I started the day off in the library where I got a presentation from a World War II veteran. He talked about his experience and being in the war.  Next, I went to a Veterans Day assembly. It was amazing to see all the veterans from the area who fought in different wars. I also watched a documentary about the fight against the Taliban in Iraq. The day was very successful and worthwhile.”

Luby, Rubano, and Doyle are looking forward to next year and making the event more meaningful. There are plans to coordinate with George Areson, Commander of VFW Post 141 and involve women veterans. In addition, all the students will watch the ceremony on the TV in their classrooms and an oral history project will be completed about veterans that teachers can show the students.