Veterans Day celebrated at Linwood Middle School
BY MADELLINE PIZARRO Staff Writer

NORTH BRUNSWICK— Most would agree that the liberties Americans enjoy today are greatly due to the actions of past men and women who have served in the military.

This sentiment is the motivation behind North Brunswick's annual Veterans Day celebration that was held Nov. 5 at Linwood Middle School.

The half-hour event included singing from the school's choir, a speech from township Councilman Bob Davis, an introduction of the veterans who were in attendance, and a presentation of thank-you letters from Linwood students to the veterans.

Davis, who was with the 11th Special Forces Group Airborne during Vietnam, but who did not see action, said, "It's important to remember the men and women who fought for our country, for our freedom, and also who fought and are fighting in other countries, so we can have the same freedoms we have here in America. Whether or not you agree with what's going on in Afghanistan or Iraq, the important thing is that we must back our men and women who are fighting over there. They must know their country is behind them no matter what our political feelings may be."

Three other veterans were present, including two from Korea and Capt. Ken Schoonover, a graduate of the North Brunswick school district, who served with the United States Army for 15 months.

"I think students really related to him being educated in North Brunswick, from John Adams [Elementary] right on through," Davis said, noting how the students shook all of the veterans' hands.

The number of veterans who participated in the event this year decreased from previous years, which means the school will have to reach out even more to veterans than it has, Linwood Principal Pete Clark said.

Clark also said that while other townships only celebrate Memorial Day, he believes it is also important for North Brunswick to celebrate Veterans Day.

In addition to the ceremony, Linwood initiated a schoolwide program to respect and represent the diversity of the school by organizing the "Respecting the Flags" project, where national flags have been put up in the cafetorium to represent the makeup of the student population. The flags have created pride with the students and have taught about different nationalities that exist in the school in an effort to promote tolerance and understanding.

Jennifer Amato contributed to this story.