by Sherry Bowman-Kluck
On Thursday, November 10, at the Berlin Middle/High School eleven veterans, some with guests, were enjoying a delicious breakfast put on by Dianne Mosher and a crew of students. While the veterans ate a hearty meal, the sixth grade class was busy writing letters, decorating cards and making bright red poppies to commemorate the veterans. Ariel Hodges, a sixth grade English teacher and coordinator of the class reception following the assembly was pleased that her students were embracing the idea of making this day special and stated that it goes hand-in-hand with their recent focus on the subject of overcoming adversities. The auditorium was no exception for the impending excitement. A chorus group was rehearsing for their debut and the event coordinator, Monica Shupe, and various technical support students were anxiously preparing for the assembly. The hall and breezeway was brilliantly illuminated with patriotic artwork done by students.
In the auditorium the veterans received a warm and appreciative group of students. Despite a few sound glitches, the event was well thought out and reflective of the awe and gratitude felt by many. Dr. Cathie Allain, High School Principal, opened with a prideful Mountaineer spirit address and the Pledge of Allegiance and introduced and thanked the veterans individually – Leonard Clapp, Kurt Gabel (a former high school teacher at BCSD), Anton Gerkman, Roland Hewitt, Mason Hubbard, Morgan Lawless, Roger LeMere, Daryl Maxon (a current employee at BCSD), Frank Mohos, Franklyn Mooney and Walter Walters. A special thank you and mention was also given to Jim Saunders, a different class of veteran, for his 35 years of service in maintenance in the Berlin School District. He will be retiring at the end of the school year.
A short film was shown recognizing the importance of veterans. It was made and directed by a group of students called the Super Troopers with help from Mr. Robert Gould, Global Studies teacher. Directed by by choral director Jean Kirsch, the chorus sang a moving tune while beautiful and mesmerizing pictures of veteran cemeteries were displayed on a projection screen in the background. A framed flag photograph (taken by a student last year) along with certificates of appreciation were given to the individual veterans by two representatives of the Super Troopers.
Following the assembly, all veterans were escorted to the cafeteria where the sixth-graders were anxious to display their earlier efforts. A delicious buffet of sweets and beverages lay waiting to be enjoyed. The entire class had the opportunity to mingle throughout and speak with individual
veterans. Handmade poppies were worn by students while letters and cards were distributed to their distinguished guests. Most impressively, students seemed engaged and filled with wonder while veteran Morgan Lawless held an informal question and answer session about what it meant to serve our country
Franklyn Mooney, the oldest veteran in attendance, is turning ninety years old soon. He and his wife Eleanor reminisced about being a part of World War II. One couldn’t help but notice his soft and heart-felt face as he described, with his patriotic flag bolo neatly around his neck and his distinct aura, his job making prosthetic limbs for the many sailors and marines in need.