Field of Honor 2023
Ceremony Honors Veterans With Flag Formation, Speeches & Music
“I remember standing right about here, in 1967,” said John Lemke with a chuckle. The 1967 graduate of John Jay High School returned to his alma mater on November 9 to speak at the Field of Honor, a school ceremony arranged by the club JJ4Vets, to honor local veterans.
He and several other veterans sat with the co presidents of JJ4Vets. Behind them, crisp rows of American flags stood in formation. To their right, John Jay’s Band, conducted by Jared Henderson, opened with the National Anthem.
“We want to think veterans for their service,” said William Civetta and Dylan Cooper, JJ4Vets'co-presidents, to the gathered audience of students, teachers, Board of Education members and administrators.
Alumnus and Veteran John Lemke
"thank you for your service"
John Jay High School Veterans Memorial Highway highlighted
Lemke, one of the featured speakers, reminded those gathered of exciting news: the portion of Route 121 that runs by the school would be designated as the John Jay High School Veterans Memorial Highway to honor the six alumni who died during their armed forces service.
Dr. Steven Siciliano, principal of John Jay, spoke about America being a grand experiment, and a relatively new one, that should not be taken for granted.
The musical centerpiece was the US Armed Forces Medley, with the veterans standing as their branch’s anthem was played.
The students and other guests stood to shake hands with the veterans at the close of the ceremony. "Thank you for your service."
