Veterans Day 2015
On November 11, 2015, Manalapan High School’s Social Studies department hosted a Veterans’ Day Observance for students, staff, and veterans. Shania Stephen, the class council president, began the program with an opening statement which focused on the history of Veterans’ Day and then students spent the class period listening to and asking questions of former servicemen who fought in various conflicts around the world.
Three WWII veterans, Zachary Roberts, Ben Stewart and John Maziekien Jr., spoke of their experiences in the war. Daniel Savino, a Korean War veteran, spoke of his difficulties while in combat fighting the spread of communism. Three Vietnam veterans, Ron Johnson, Bill Smith, and Jack Olenczak, told of their experiences in the war and their experiences upon returning home to the US. Finally, Sean Giblin, who fought in the first Gulf War, contextualized his experience as compared to previous conflicts abroad.
Manalapan students asked some great questions during the assemblies and following the presentations, many came forward and thanked the veterans for their service.
Please click here for a sample of WWII veteran, Zachary Roberts, telling about his experience as a POW.