For more than a decade, Weehawken resident and World War II veteran Joe Bradley has taken the time to teach the students at Roosevelt School about his experiences as a soldier in the Great War.
Right around Veterans Day in November, Bradley and fellow veteran Joe Fredericks, Sr., traveled to the fifth and sixth grade classes of Donna Jimmerson and Aurora Hoover in the school to tell tales of what it was like to serve in the Army during WWII, as well as grow up in that era. It’s a walking, talking history lesson for the youngsters of the school.
“I always find it very interesting,” said fifth grader Raffael Prem. “I really liked it.”
“I’ve done it for 11 years now,” Bradley said. “It started with Vinnie Ortizio, until he died a few years ago. I then went with Herb Foster two years ago, but then he died last year. Joe Fredericks came with me this year. The kids sit there and listen to what we have to say and they then ask such good questions. They’re very interested in what happened back then.”
As a way to remember Memorial Day, Bradley invited a few more veterans to come to the Senior Nutritional Center on Highwood Avenue and asked them to participate in a pizza party for the youngsters.
The other veterans, namely Sam Canzano, Bert Palmieri, Frank Segedin, Jack Breitweiser and Joe Palladino, along with Bradley and Fredericks, sat with the youngsters and reiterated their stories and experiences of fighting in World War II while giving the youngsters lunch on the house.
“We invite them back right before Memorial Day and go over things again,” Bradley said. “I like working with kids. I was a Boy Scout leader for many years and worked with kids since I got out of the Army. I like doing it and I know the other guys look forward to this. They talk about it for weeks.”
Hoover said that she cannot comprehend the generosity of Bradley, Fredericks and the other senior citizen veterans.
“We’re all extremely moved by it,” Hoover said. “Their generosity is incredible. The vets get into it and bring artifacts and memorabilia with them. Some actually brought their old food rations with them. The kids were impressed. We love the kindness they show and their ability to share their lives. It gives everyone a sense of patriotism for the weekend.”
Sixth grader Nashwa Elangbawy was elated to hear the stories from the veterans.
“I was very impressed,” Elangbawy said. “They had a lifetime of experience. It was very interesting. We got to hear what they did in the military. It was a lot of fun. Every minute we spent with them meant a lot. It made us all want to learn more.”
Bradley said that the veterans love being with the kids.
“It gives them a chance to be young again for a little while, bring a little bit of joy and history to the kids,” Bradley said. “I know the teachers appreciate it too. I know everyone looks forward to it.”
It certainly is a good way to kick off the Memorial Day weekend.
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