Pope John students salute veterans
SPARTA. Father Michael Parisi spoke about his experiences in the Navy Chaplain Corps.
Sparta /
| 10 Nov 2023 | 04:54
The Pope John XXIII Regional High School’s Scout Honor Guard raised the flag at the private high school’s annual Veterans Day ceremony Thursday, Nov. 9 . (Photos provided)
Students whose parents and siblings are active-duty service members presented the flags of the armed services.
Father Michael Parisi told the students about his service in the Navy Chaplain Corps.
Pope John XXIII Regional High School held its annual Veterans Day ceremony Thursday, Nov. 9 in honor of those who served in the U.S. armed forces.
Principal Gene Emering led the ceremony and introduced veterans and guests.
Instrumental music teacher Christian Arnold played during the ceremony.
The Scout Honor Guard raised the flag and the school’s American Spirit Performers sang the National Anthem and “God Bless America.”
Students in the AP U.S. Government & Politics class taught by Jacquelyn Burt led the Pledge of Allegiance.
After the opening prayer, students whose parents and siblings are active-duty service members presented the flags of the armed services.
Father Michael Parisi, a veteran, talked about what his service meant to him. Commissioned in the Navy Chaplain Corps in 1988, he served tours with Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard units.
After 30 years of service, Capt. Parisi’s decorations include Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Commendation Medal, and various personal, campaign and unit awards.
He now serves as pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Wayne. After the ceremony, he talked more about his service and answered students’ questions.