Ridgewood Students Learned The Importance Of D-Day With Veterans Ahead Of Memorial Day

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Students at Benjamin Franklin Middle School in Ridgewood were reminded of the reasons behind Memorial Day last week when members of American Legion 53 joined them at an annual Memorial Day Remembrance event.

Each year, the school selects a veteran to highlight. But this year, the event highlighted the upcoming 80th anniversary of D-Day on June 6, remembering the day 150,000 allied soldiers invaded Normandy, France, which was occupied by Nazi Germany in 1944.

This event ultimately led to the liberation of Europe.

Now in its 11th year, the event started with several teachers who wanted to ensure that students understood the importance of Memorial Day; a day of reverence and remembrance to those lost serving our country.

This year, Benjamin Franklin Middle School teacher and event organizer Jason Ordini, along with colleagues Assistant Principal Greg Wu, Mike Mitchell, Lori Morris, and musical director Justine Kawash, and supported by their fellow teachers, reminded students to pause for a minute of silent remembrance on Monday, May 27th at 3 p.m.

“It is not just about having a day off, barbeques, or parades,” said Ordini. “This is a day to honor and remember those who gave their life so that we can experience the freedoms that we have every day.”

After a brief introduction by the teachers, American Legion members began the official assembly by presenting the flags.

Principal Stacey Wisniewski, whose father Nicholas Del’Re — a Vietnam War veteran — attended the ceremony, addressed the students.

“I was honored to be in the presence of not only my father, but all of the veterans who joined us,” said Wisniewski. “We came together to honor and remember the brave men and women who served our country and sacrificed to protect our freedom. Memorial Day is a special time for us to reflect on the courage and dedication of our military heroes.”

Students, Madison Ottens, Amy Mazzurco, Jaya Kirtane, and Scarlet Kabak sang the National Anthem followed by the reading of “In Flanders Fields” by Sophia Lois.

“Too often students, and even adults, don’t realize the true meaning of the day,” added Ordini. “We all need to remember and be grateful to the Veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice to keep our country free.”

A few tear-stained faces marked the procession out to the front of the school, where each student shook the hands of the more than a dozen Veterans, thanking them for their service.

Each student then placed a small American flag around the school’s flagpole.

For more information on Benjamin Franklin Middle School, visit https://bf.ridgewood.k12.nj.us.