A new generation of patriots
Primary school learns about veterans, community service
BY JENNIFER KOHLHEPP Staff Writer
Millstone Township Primary School students knew they had Monday off, but they may not have known the true meaning of Memorial Day prior to a visit from local veterans.

JEFF GRANIT staff Kindergarten teacher Jill Tobey (r) and her students say the Pledge of Allegiance during a patriotic assembly held at the Millstone Township Primary School on May 21.

Members of the Veterans of the Vietnam War Inc. and the Veterans Coalition New Jersey Post 03, of Millstone, gave students a presentation about the history of Memorial Day, veterans, patriotism and community service on May 21.

Principal Gina Villani said the school's partnership with the veterans' organization provides the school with a wonderful opportunity, because there are few programs that help young children understand military service.

"This is a great way for them to begin to understand what it means to be patriotic and to honor those serving our country," Villani said.

Freehold's Barry Rosenzweig, a member of Veterans of the Vietnam War Inc. and the Veterans Coalition New Jersey Post 03, presided over the first-ever primary school assembly to recognize Memorial Day. He was accompanied by fellow veteran Bill Nurko, of Millstone, and members of the Millstone Township Fire Department, as well as a keyboard.

JEFF GRANIT staff Clockwise from top: First-grader Alexus Crespo exits the front door of the Millstone Township Primary School to attend a patriotic assembly local veterans provided by the flagpole on May 21. Gabrielle Skowronski (l) wears one of the hats she and her fellow classmates made in honor of Memorial Day. Jullaine Caunt showcases her hat.

"There's no child too young to understand the true meaning of Memorial Day or to find an understanding of the patriotism that goes along with being a proud citizen of this great United States," Rosenzweig said.

Rosenzweig taught children how to stand at attention while saluting the flag, and he recognized community service, thanking the firefighters and the Cub Scouts and Brownies in attendance. The school had encouraged Scouts to wear their uniforms to school that day, and the rest of the student body was encouraged to wear red, white and blue.

While speaking about military service, Rosenzweig thanked the school staff members who have served, and recognized staff and students with family members and friends who have served in the military. He also introduced Nurko, who served as a captain in the Navy and was stationed in the Gulf of Tonkin off the coast of Vietnam for 26 months from 1966 to 1969. Nurko also served in the Navy Reserve for 22 years before retiring in 1991.

"You are citizens of the greatest country on Earth, and because you are citizens and because we live in this wonderful democracy where we have many freedoms, we want to thank those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms — our military personnel," Rosenzweig said. "That's what Memorial Day is all about."

A lieutenant in the Army during the Vietnam War, Rosenzweig was stationed with the Army Field Band in Washington, D.C. He led the students in patriotic songs that music teacher Doreen Laskiewicz and homeroom teachers had practiced with the students prior to the assembly.

All in attendance sang "Yankee Doodle," the first verse of "This Land Is Your Land," and "You're a Grand Old Flag," before saluting the flag while Rosenzweig played taps on the keyboard.

Superintendent of Schools Mary Anne Donahue said, "The Millstone veterans organi zation has been very instrumental this year in helping us dev elop programs for our students, and today, having the entire school participate is an example of how they are making a difference in Millstone."

When Rosenzweig, a former principal in the Jackson Township School District, retired, he put together a lesson plan for teaching schoolchildren the meaning of prisoners of war/missing in action (POW/MIA) flags and has been presenting the program in local schools since 1999. He brought the program to Millstone and plans to further develop veterans' interactions with students.