Shore Regional prepares for its annual Veterans Day Celebration

Mr. Bruccoleri, Assistant Principal, comments on what students and faculty can expect this year at the 2019 Veterans Day Celebration

Shore Regional prepares for its annual Veterans Day Celebration

Daniella Crystal, Staff Writer

Each November, Shore Regional prepares for its annual Veterans Day Celebration. Roughly thirty veterans are scheduled to share their stories and celebrate their service.

On November 6th, Shore will celebrate its sixth year celebrating Veterans Day. The celebration begins with a welcome breakfast for the veterans, giving them a chance to meet each other, catch up with old friends and engage in casual conversation. As the planning committee, led by Assistant Principal, Mr. Bruccoleri, tries to “change things up” each year, attendees will now be taking part in a “veterans walk” following the breakfast.  The walk will consist of every student and teacher standing outside their classrooms donning Americans flags and displays of support and thanks. Upon completing their walk of appreciation, veterans will assemble in the auditorium where both freshman and seniors will take part in the opening ceremonies. Preschoolers from the local Gingerbread House will sing for the veterans.

New Jersey legislator and senator Vin Gopal will speak at this year’s presentation on behalf of the veterans. Seniors are then slated to attend “breakout sessions” where they will be given the opportunity to have one-on-one time with each of the veterans. When asked what the main purpose of this assembly was, Mr. Bruccoleri assured it was “not to recruit students” but rather “to simply have students, as well as the staff get the chance to say thank you to those who served our country in any way possible.”

In reflecting on what this day means to the Shore Regional community, Mr. Bruccoleri says, “The one word that comes to mind is ‘gratitude’. It is so easy for us to just get comfortable here in the States and [we must] not forget what sacrifices these people have made or the freedoms we have.” On a personal note, Mr. Bruccoleri comments on how both of his grandfathers served in World War 2. One of his grandfathers was in the Italian National Army, and the other was a bombardier in a B52. This day has great significance for him, because he “knows what it is like to care for someone and love someone who served to keep people safe. Knowing that someone you love did such a thing, is amazing.” He goes on to say that, “overall we hope tomorrow will be a successful day of getting to know the veterans, and getting the chance to hear their stories. The school is providing such a great experience by letting us be a part of something so meaningful and important.”

Check back as Beacon journalists will be reporting on the individual presentations throughout the day.