“Operation: We Remember” Salutes Berkeley Heights Veterans And Military Service Members
Last September the Veterans Memorial Park Renewal Committee embarked not only its efforts to raise funds to restore Memorial Park, but upon its educational mission to raise awareness and appreciation of the United States Military and the sacrifices made for our freedom. They named this mission “Operation: We Remember.” The goal of the program was to educate the community on the importance of honoring and thanking our Veterans and those currently serving in the United States Military. A critical part of this mission was the education of our youngest citizens. Embraced by Superintendent of Schools, Judith Rattner, the Berkeley Heights School district became a proud partner in this endeavor. Principal of Woodruff Elementary School, Patricia Gasparini, shared with QUEST teacher, Andrea Masri, the goals of the program. QUEST is an enrichment program of the gifted and talented program and has some fifty students in fourth and fifth grades at Woodruff, Mountain Park, and Hughes Elementary schools.
The QUEST vision of “Operation: We Remember” came to life at an assembly held on February 25th. Under the leadership of Principal Gasparini and Mrs. Masri, students have worked throughout the year learning about the importance of honoring Veterans and service members and the history of monuments and memorials ho them. They took a virtual tour of the monuments and memorials in Washington DC and learned the significance of each: how their designs reflected the group being honored, the importance of Arlington National Cemetery and the vigilant watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the meaning behind the flag and medal of each branch of service. The students were then taught interview skills in preparation for their most important challenge: meeting local Veterans and service members and asking them to share their stories. These interviews would be presented as a slide show and made into a book through a grant from the Berkeley Heights Education Foundation. The book will be made available to all schools and the local library. The Veterans featured were invited to attend the Assembly where the slide show would be presented. QUEST students would also design a fundraiser at their individual school with proceeds going toward the renovation of Veterans Memorial Park.
The hard work and efforts grew to include all grades at Woodruff School. Art and Music teachers would work with students on scenery and banners and practice many hours singing and instrument playing. Each grade would sing a patriotic song, Cub Scout Pack #468 would present the colors, and all grades would sing and salute the Veterans and service members and their families being honored, all against a backdrop of red, white, and blue proudly sharing the name Operation: We Remember. QUEST students presented the biographies of those interviewed and presented each with a Certificate of Appreciation. Veterans included: Sgt. Edward Mueller, Crpl. Timothy Neri, Fireman Richard Quant, Electrician Mate Stephen Schmidt, Captain Frank Bolden, Crpl. Raymond DiGiambattista, Sgt. Trent Fettes, Sgt. Thomas Lombardi, Fireman Thomas McLaughlin, Sgt. Daniel Mondelli, Lt. Jerry Barter, Sgt. Stephen Falk, and the recently deceased Crpl. Vito Mondelli, a member of the Veterans Park Renewal Committee. Two Woodruff Elementary School alumni currently serving were also honored, Lt. John Manganiello and Lt. Matthew Tansey. The entire program was filmed by former Woodruff teacher Peg Whiting. The beautiful photo taken by Officer Trent Fettes of the statue entitled “Fallen Soldier,” which was donated by Vito Mondelli, was on display.
This was truly a special moment for the large crowd in attendance which included: Berkeley Heights Mayor Robert Woodruff, Town Council President Jeanne Kingsley, Board of Education member John Sincaglia, Veterans Memorial Park Renewal Committee Members: Ted Romankow, Gay Hollowell, Midge Vicendese, Police Officer Trent Fettes, and Police Chief John DiPasquale.
Find out how you can help or for information about the Veterans Memorial Park Renewal Project, please visit www.bhmemorialpark.com. Tax-deductible donations are most welcome and can be made online or by check sent to: Veterans Memorial Park Renewal Project, 29 Park Ave., Berkeley Heights., NJ 07922.
(above, top, l-r) QUEST teacher Andrea Masri and students honor Local Veterans, Sgt. Steve Falk, Lt. Jerry Barter, Sgt. Trent Fettes, Cecile Neri (mother of Crp. Timothy Neri) Sgt. Tom Lombardi, Captain Frank Bolden.
