Following the Pledge of Allegiance and the Star-Spangled Banner, Principal Antonio Garcia welcomed the students and guests of honor in his opening remarks. After thanking the veterans for their service, he proudly expressed, “I salute you and wish you all the best.”
Next, students who participated in Boys State and Girls State shared their thoughts on the courage and selflessness of United States veterans through a video they created. Other components of the program, organized by PCTVS Patriotic Coordinator Cathy Pagano, included a poem read by student Gabriella Covino and a poignant address from JROTC Lt. Commander Nakeisha Hill where she emphasized the character and citizenship of those who volunteer to serve. Additionally, students William Nino and Nicholas VanderMay solemnly presented a memorial wreath during the playing of ‘Taps.’ The program concluded with special recognition of the service and sacrifice of local veterans in attendance.
With its proud patriotic culture, PCTVS will continue to honor its veterans this season through “Wreaths Across America.” In its second year of participation, the school is raising funds in order to place wreaths on the graves of fallen soldiers interred at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Totowa. The wreaths will be placed during a special public ceremony on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at 12:00pm. Individuals and businesses can sponsor wreaths by making a $15 per wreath contribution at https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/NJ0159 by Tuesday, November 24, 2020.
George Van Der Wall, Commander of the American Legion Post 428 in North Haledon, one of the many local veterans honored at the event proudly salutes.
PCTI senior Gabriella Covino recites a poem at the Veteran’s Day event.