Sparta elementary school honors those who served

By Rose Sgarlato
SPARTA — Celebrating America’s freedom and those who serve the nation, Helen Morgan Elementary School hosted a Memorial Day assembly honoring active members of the military and veterans.
All fourth and fifth grade classes were in attendance last Friday, May 25, along with teachers and special guests representing the military. Students were encouraged to invite a family member or friend who served in the armed forces.
Those current and retired service members in attendance included:
• Corporal Robert Ferrigno, US Marine Corps
• Martin Gozdenovich, Military Police, US Army, retired.
• John Graniello, Maryland National Guard
• Sergeant Jim Naisby, US Army, retired.
• Ralph Dengler, US Marine Corps Infantry Officer, retired.
• Susan Foy, US Air Force, retired.
• Dr. Barton Schneyer, US Air Force, retired.
• Lieutenant Colonel Robert Smith, US Air Force, retired.
• Lieutenant Corporal Todd Masternak , US Army
After a flag bearing ceremony and Pledge of Allegiance, Principal Doug Layman addressed the attendees:
“Today is an opportunity to remember those who gave their lives in defense of our country. It is a day of reverence for all and our special guests who have served in the armed forces. We acknowledge you and your sacrifices, and we say thank you.”
Layman went on to quote a passage from Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address followed by the student choir singing “The Star Spangled Banner," conducted by teacher Andrea Birch.
Highlights of the celebration featured two speakers: Lieutenant Colonel Robert Smith and Martin Gozdenovich. Both gentlemen, now retired, have grandchildren who attend Helen Morgan.
Smith spoke of joining the Air Force in 1968 and serving 20 years. He talked about his pilot training and received many “wows” from the students after showing them photos of the planes he flew.
Gozdenovich said his family has a history of service including five uncles, one who died during the Civil War back in the 19th century.
Although he joined the US Army after WWII, Gozdenovich recalled childhood memories of war times:
“ I was 4 years old when WWII started and 8 when it ended. I remember windows in the houses. A blue star meant you had a child in the service, and a gold star meant he had been killed,” he said.
Gozdenovich called it a “traumatic and romantic era.”
“We had food rations," he said. "It was time we can’t imagine today.”
The former military police office also spoke of his personal experience in Germany in 1956, during the Cold War, where he went on top-secret missions involving nuclear missiles.
More festive music followed the speakers with the Orchestra performing “This Land is Your Land,” conducted by teacher Chryselle Angderson and the band performing “America, The Beautiful," and "Taps,” led by teacher Patty Curtis.
The intention of the 2nd Annual assembly, Layman said, was for participants to ask: What does Memorial Day mean to you?