On Wednesday, November 10th, 2021, at 9:00AM in the high school auditorium of Carbondale Area High School, students, faculty, family, and veteran guest speakers helped depict the true perspective of the importance of Veterans’ Day with the annual program dedicate to our service men and women.
The audience was welcomed by Josh Tierney followed by the Posting of Colors by Joshua Berg and Jonathan Marder. The members of the school band added their touch with the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” under the direction of Ms. McDermott.
Students in Mr. Mauro’s AP History class presented on the branches of the military: Army (Kyle Perri), Navy (Mia Perri), Air Force (Ellie Higdon), Coast Guard (Mackenzie Spaid) and Marines (Jonathon Purvis). Sophia Calzola provided a recap of the events that took place on 9/11, Elizabeth Pantoja discussed POW and MIA, and Chloee Rumford spoke of The Tomb of the Unknown Solider.
Guest speaker, Jacquelyn Molinaro Pierce, a former graduate of Carbondale Area, was introduced by Alyssa Cosklo. Pierce addressed the crowd about where her service with the military has taken her. She also spoke about the role the military had in shaping her into the person she is today.
Retired Sergeant First Class Eric Darling spoke of his role as a sergeant for 20 years. He made sure to enforce through his speech that even though his service to the military has ended, he continues to serve others every day. This can be seen through his involvement as Executive Director of Valhalla Veterans Services.
Other veterans in attendance were Nicole Molinaro Balderas to E-4 U.S. Air Force (Vet), Sergeant 1st Class Johnathon Janes, Robert Molinaro, M/Sgt, U.S. Army (Ret), James Pierce CW2 U.S. Army (Vet), and faculty member, Bruce Gordon.
Students in Miss Dombrosky’s Advanced Composition Class shared poems on their perspectives on what it means to be a veteran: “What Makes a Hero” (Jaden Fedorchak), “I am Home” (Layla Gregory), and “Thank You Veterans” (Alexis Price).
Rogemarie Navarrete serenaded the audience with “Hallelujah” and “Hero.” Other musical performances that added to the atmosphere in the auditorium were “Travelin’ Solider” sung by Eliana Connolly, Hannah McCaffrey, and Abby Wall. As an added tribute, Mr. Barnett, Guy Mushow, and Josh Tierney sang “Chicken Fried”.
To bring the ceremony to a close, Keefer Wease played “Taps” during the Recess of Colors.
This Veterans’ Day be sure to thank those who have made the sacrifice for the freedoms we take advantage of every day. The Carbondale Area School District thanks all of the veterans for their sacrifices that allows us to enjoy the freedoms we have today. Happy Veterans’ Day to all of you.
