Memorial Day at Asbury Park Middle School

On May 24, 2013, Mr. Wronko, seventh grade social studies teacher, and Mr. Williams, fifth grade teacher, along with their students created a Memorial Day Presentation for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Lou Parisi and George Reed.

Memorial Day Presentation

Mr. Wronko’s students presented power point presentations based on their research of the different War Memorials throughout the United States.

For instance, the presentations consisted of narratives on the, Lafayette Square, African American Civil War Memorial Museum, National Museum of Civil War Medicine, National World War One Memorial, National World War II Memorial,Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam War Veterans Memorial, U.S. Marine CorpsWar Memorial, U.S. Navy Memorial, U.S. Air Force Memorial, and the National Museum of the U.S. Army.

Furthermore, Mr. Williams had his students present an open discussion about World War II veteran Dr. Leon Bass’s visit to the Asbury Park Middle School. Mr. Williams and his students tied Dr. Leon Bass’s experiences as a veteran, historian, and principal to the meaning of why the United States celebrates Memorial Day.

More about Dr. Leon Bass could be read by clicking here.

Presentation on equipment used by the military

Besides the students presentations, Mr. Barry, Asbury Park Middle School security guard and veteran gave a presentation on equipment used by the military. He brought in numerous visuals that gave a clear image of how soldiers perform their duties. His visuals that he brought in were an AlicePack, MRE’S, Canteen Cup, Kevlar Vest, Kevlar Helmet, Dress Blues, and E-Tool.The students enjoyed the visuals and were allowed to try on the Alice Pack,Kevlar Vest, and Kevlar Helmet.

This Memorial Day Presentation concluded with a message from Lou Parisi and George Reed. Both Veterans of Foreign Wars spoke about and answered questions on their experiences in the military as well as explained why we should never forget those who sacrificed their lives for the United States.They both stressed that if it was not for the brave men and women who defended the country, today’s citizens would not enjoy the freedoms that they have today.

A special thanks goes out to Ms. Friedman and her chorus for singing the National Anthem to kick off this Memorial Day presentation, Ms.Haraz for managing the technology and displaying two Historical Memorial Day videos on the white board, and to the ongoing support of the Administrative Team,Dr. Lewis, Ms. Jackson, Mr. Parham, and Ms. Bates.