HONORING HEROES
Owen J. Roberts High School pays tribute to area veterans
Owen J. Roberts High School was ringing with the sound of patriotic music Friday as students and staff began celebrating Veterans Day.
Students, veterans and faculty at Owen J. Roberts High School gathered in the school’s auditorium Friday for an early Veterans Day Celebration. The ceremony marked the 12th year the school has welcomed veterans and active duty military into the school to personally thank them for their service.
The event began at 11:45 a.m. with the national anthem and the pledge of allegiance. Several guest speakers including state Rep. Tim Hennessy and state Sen. John Rafferty had the opportunity to speak to veterans and thank them for their service.
“So many lives, all of us, are affected by those who served in the military,” said Rafferty. “So much gratitude for those who did make it home and those who didn’t make it home needs to be expressed and appreciated by each and every one of us.”
The ceremony held special significance for some veterans as they celebrated the 242nd birthday of the Marine Corps.
Following remarks from several of the guest speakers, members of the Owen J. Roberts NJROTC presented a trib-
ute to the armed forces and the Owen J. Roberts Choir performed “In Remembrance” to honor those who served.
The ceremony concluded with a rendition of “God Bless America.”
Veterans in attendance were then treated to a catered lunch as a thanks for their service.
“Most people walk by and they have no idea what we did. We do,” said Master
State Sen. John Rafferty speaks to veterans and students during the Owen J. Roberts High School Veterans Day ceremony.
Gunnery Sgt. Andrew Worley. “But we want you to know that it doesn’t make a difference what we did. We did it for you.”