Monticello High School commemorates Memorial Day with flag ceremony

On May 26, the Monticello Schools commemorated Memorial Day to honor our POW (prisoners of war) MIA (missing in action) and our fallen military brethren. This event was organized by Dennis Browne, Arleene Siegel, Karen Collura, Steven Karasik and Manny Leon.

The honor guard consisted of Dennis Browne, Manny Leon and the Sullivan County Sheriffs. Members of the U.S.M.C detachment from Stewart Airport lowered the American flag and presented it to Eagle Scouts, James Michel, who will present the flag to our local VFW and American Legions to be destroyed. The Marines then raised the new flag.

During this ceremony Karen Collura read and explained the ceremony “Table for One.” The “Table for One is a small ceremony designed to remember and pay homage to fellow sailors and soldiers who are not with their due ranks because they are a POW or MIA. This ceremony, like most other military ceremonies, is rich in symbolism as each item on the table, including the table itself, represents a significant aspect of the POW or MIA condition.

Beginning with the table set for one and ending with the empty chair, a frame is contrasted to deliver an understanding of the many things missed when sacrificing for a cause.

Memorial Day is the perfect opportunity to present this ceremony, so we never forget the sacrifices that have been made.

Chase honors Memorial Day with American Legion

The Chase School was honored to have visitors from The American Legion on May 21 to help commemorate Memorial Day. Representing the Legion were Vice Commander Tony Ferguson who served in the U.S. Army in Korea, Bill Fenner USMC who served in Korea, George Becker US Army in Vietnam, Lenny Squier USMC in Vietnam, Commander Morris Smith who served in Vietnam, Charles Allen and John Lacey who both served in the USAF in Vietnam.

Also joining them was US Army veteran, Mia Hubbard who served in the Gulf War who graced us with her beautiful voice singing The Star Spangled Banner and It’s A Grand Old Flag.

One of the reasons for the visit was to award fifth graders for the yearly essay writing contest. This year they were asked to write about what Memorial Day or the American Flag means to them.

First Place went to Devin DeCicco who received a medal and $100.
Second Place winner was Rebecca Kerstner who received a medal and $75.
Third Place winner was Jayda Rodriguez received a medal and $50.

Photos: American Legion members Vice Commander Tony Ferguson, Bill Fenner, Lenny Squier, George Becker, Charles Allen, Commander Morris Smith, and John Lacey.
Essay Winners: Devin DeCicco, Rebecca Kerstner, Jayda Rodriguez along with honorable mention winners- Andrew Fredell, Samantha Romer, Maria Zeh, Megan Joyce and Victoria Groom.