In the wake of the attack on the World Trade Center, which has sparked “Operation Enduring Freedom” – the country’s new war on terrorism – Union City veterans came together in City Hall on Sept. 26 to discuss the plans for this year’s Veteran’s Pride Week that will run from Nov. 11 (Veteran’s Day) to Nov. 17.
The week will begin with a Veteran’s Day ceremony given by the veterans in Ellsworth Park on Nov. 12 at 9:30 and continue with school visits and a flag-raising ceremony for each of the four major veterans’ groups; the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans’ Association and the American Veteran’s Association.
The week will also include a ceremony to honor the veterans from Union City who recently received the New Jersey Distinguished Medal of honor.
While the veterans have been visiting the schools during the Veteran’s Day week for the past six years, this year the city will be adding the Distinguished Medal ceremony.
“This year, [Veteran’s Pride Week] is a little about [the veterans] coming out and a little about the recent tragedy,” said Director of Veteran Affairs George Pycik.
However, the increase in visible patriotism did not escape the eye of the veterans in the room.
“You can’t count the flags that are flying now,” said veteran Joe Caputo. “It makes me feel good.”
Visiting the schools
After picketing outside the school buildings about six years ago, the Board of Education and the veterans came to a compromise. This compromise was that the city would give students Veteran’s Day off if the veterans would come into the schools on a different day and talk about their experience. Now the school visits are the largest part of Veteran’s Pride Week.
“Union City was not giving the students the day off on Veteran’s Day,” said Pycik saying that the veterans stood outside the schools with American Flags until they agreed to work out a compromise. “We thought that was disrespectful and we protested.”
When the veterans first came into the schools five years ago, Pycik said that gave short critiques of their experiences in the war. Since then, the format has taken a complete change.
“The kids wanted to tell us what they knew,” said Pycik after hearing stories about students tap dancing to World War II songs and performing skits.
“They don’t just want to know about guns and shooting,” said veteran Ray Caden, who has been visiting the city’s schools since they started six years ago. “They are also interested in out equipment and what we did in the war.”
“It is definitely an experience,” said veteran John McMahon, after discussing the favorable response he gets after speaking to students.
Award winners
The state released a list of area veterans who were given the Distinguished Medal of Honor this year. They include:
Union City
Sgt. Rodolfo I. Alonso, Army
Pvt. 1st Class Ernest A. Palestis, Army
West New York
1st Lt. Joseph S. Piccuirro, Army
Technician Fifth Grade Carl A. Streicher, Army
Pvt. Augustine T. Tommey, Army
North Bergen
Seaman William T. Ammermann, Merchant Marine
Sgt. Joseph G. Inglese, Army
Spc. Five William A. Kruse, Army
Cpl. Anthony J. Licamara, Army
Technician Fourth Grade Henry F. Perkowski, Army
Staff Sgt. Paul H. Kuck, Marine Corps
Lance Cpl. James D. Menzel, Marine Corps
Cpl. Joseph V. Mezzina, Army
Pvt. 1st Class Paul Parisi, Army
Technician Fifth Grade Louis Perry, Army
Cpl. Ignatius F. Pizzo, Army
Petty Officer 3rd Class Franky J. Rzempoluch, Navy
Pvt. 1st Class Bernard Schlein, Army
Seaman Raymond P. Shertel, Navy
Seaman Andrew J. Ventura, Navy
Weehawken
Petty Officer 1st Class Morris F. Binetti, Navy
Cpl. Samuel Canzano, Marine Corps