To the Editor:
On November 3, the Bayonne Board of Education with the special leadership of Superintendent Patricia McGeehan conducted the wonderfully successful Field of Heroes celebration. Other leading members of the committee were Assistant Superintendent Dennis Degnan and Principal Richard Baccarella. As members of the committee we would be remiss if we did not thank several individuals who made the event a true hit. Keynote speaker Congressman Albio Sires brought depth and emotion with his remarks. Assemblyman Chiaravalloti and Assemblywoman McKnight stressed the need for all citizens to devote themselves to service of nation and community. Our Mayor James Davis opened the speaking portion with a humbling speech explaining the debt we owe to our honored veterans. Within the program, Tony Good the BHS Band Director set the tone with a rousing military medley rendition that would rival any musical organization. Julia Smith sang the National Anthem and God Bless America with such sincerity, professionalism, and grace that many in the audience were moved to tears. The Bayonne Police Pipes and Drums as well as Honor Guard provided the proper and unwavering respect needed to honor our veterans appropriately. Moreover, the arrival of our bugler brought a perfect sound to the raising of our flag. James Pondillo and his team created a world-class video of the Veterans Museum. Timothy Craig and his entire team produced a stunning display both digitally and in terms of décor. Liz Fiadini, the BHS Processing Center, Central Office and the staff therein made the actualizing of this event possible. Special thanks to Dave Hoffman and the Boy’s Baseball Team and Edith Westpy, Martin Kashmer, Stephanie Fleck and the Rho Kappa honors society for helping to place the 1,000 flags in front of BHS. Further, thanks to the many veterans groups that arrived and participated. It is for you and because of you that we were able to gather in recognition of your service. I’d like to once again congratulate the honorees of the day John Nicaretta, Frank Perrucci, Victoria Del Regno, Glen Flora, Denis Miranda (posthumously), and Henry Sanchez (posthumously). We have been blessed to take part in this event and work with so many wonderful and talented people.
Thank you.
NIEL CARROLL III
DANIEL WARD