The news headlines feature words of war on a daily basis. There are catchy banner phrases like “Showdown with Saddam,” and “Attack on Iraq” flashed all over the television screens. They’re so prevalent that even youngsters are concerned about the prospects of war.
Last week, a group of Roosevelt School fifth grade students were treated to a history lesson, courtesy of some of the men who helped to create it. A group of eight World War II and Korean War veterans sat with the students and talked about the experiences they had in serving their country in the times of war.
The fact-finding session took place at the Senior Nutritional Center on Highwood Avenue, where Donna Jimmerson and Aurora Hoover’s fifth grade classes were introduced to the veterans, who spoke to the students about their memories of war.
Weehawken residents and armed forces veterans Joe Bradley and Vinnie Ortizio have been going to Roosevelt School for the last decade, teaching the students about what it was like to live through the war, but this time, Bradley called upon the services of six others who helped share their experiences.
“Our students were able to interview the veterans and get a better understanding of who they are,” Jimmerson said. “They were able to ask questions about their lives. They were able to make a personal connection about something they will be learning in school.”
One veteran was seated at a table with approximately eight to 10 youngsters.
“The kids shot questions at us,” Bradley said. “They were very interested in what we had to say.”
Nathaniel Keating said that he was nervous at first, because he never met a true veteran before.
But after speaking with veteran Frank Segedin, who is a respected music teacher in the township, the 11-year-old Keating came away with such a positive experience.
“It was like I was speaking to my grandfather,” Keating said. “I felt comfortable with him after a while. I got used to it.”
Keating said that he asked Segedin a variety of questions.
“I asked him how he felt, whether he was scared,” Keating said. “I asked him if his children and family were afraid. I learned a lot. I know now that when we study war in social studies, I will have a better understanding firsthand. When he spoke, I felt like I was really there. He gave us a map of where he traveled, and it felt like it was yesterday.”
Fellow fifth grader Rose Landi felt some of the same sentiments.
“I learned that he was a hero,” Landi said of Segedin. “I learned that he saved the life of a German soldier. We’re starting to learn about wars and this really helped me. I can now get a good idea of what it’s like. Everyone has fears in their lives. Learning from him makes me understand what’s going on right now.”
Jimmerson said that the day also helps to build camaraderie between the youngsters and the senior citizens, sort of bridging the generation gap.
“It definitely builds relationships that the students wouldn’t necessarily have,” Jimmerson said. “I think the day was very inspirational and very moving. It has an educational value, but it also helps to build community awareness. With all the talk of war on the television and in the newspapers, this makes it easier for the kids to understand.”
Added Jimmerson, “They really look forward to meeting with the veterans, and they look forward to learning. This is a nice touch.”
What also helps the learning process is that the students are treated to a pizza and soda party afterwards, courtesy of the senior citizens who frequent the Nutritional Center.
“It was a great time,” Ortizio said. “We’ve been doing it for 10 years now and it works out great. The children enjoy it and we’re happy to do it.”
“Everyone was really happy with the way it turned out,” Bradley said. “I know the veterans thought it was fabulous. It’s a good feeling to know that we’re helping them understand what happened. They’re learning a little bit about what we all went through.”
Other than Bradley, Ortizio and Segedin, the other veterans who participated in the day were Jack Snyders, Jay Rovito, Sam Canzano, Vinnie Ruppert and Bert Palmieri.