St. Albert the Great Students learn about life from Veterans
When Saint Albert the Great School sixth grader Jerrel Rayen interviewed Air Force Veteran Christopher Ginn for a recent Veterans Day project, he learned many new things about the Judge Advocate Officer or, “JAG,” for short. But the thing that fascinated Rayen the most was how much he enjoyed asking the Air Force lawyer questions and learning about the man’s experiences serving overseas.
This aspect perhaps, a young person’s genuine curiosity and interest in learning the stories of local veterans – is the greatest gift the next generation can bestow among those who sacrificed so much for the nation’s freedom, the desire to know their narrative.
“It’s very humbling to teach the next generation about the military,” said Barb Barbo, a Saint Albert the Great School teacher who has organized and led a Veterans Day Military Salute for the past 11 years at Saint Albert the Great School. “Every year I cry. It’s so gratifying to see the students’ love of country and to see their patriotism grow.”
Rayen and his fellow sixth graders participated in the school’s Military Salute on Nov. 8, seeking out veterans to interview, attending a special school mass with their veterans and joining them for an honorary presentation in the church hall. The Salute featured Mike Swallow of the Northeast Ohio Foundation for Patriotism (NEOPAT) presenting four $500 scholarships to deserving students, Mayor-elect Larry Antoskiewicz, Ward 3 Councilman and Veteran Dan Langshaw, and retired U.S. Army Sgt. Wally Ohler of the Veterans Relief Organization of Ohio. The event featured many special aspects including the reading of student narratives, poetry, prayer, and the viewing of military memorabilia, essays and the Missing Person Table honoring the fallen, missing or imprisoned. Two “Quilts of Valor” were also presented to veterans during Mass.
“We recognize that our veterans with us today have given something of themselves to this country and some have given all, laying down their lives to defend the freedoms we hold so dear,” said Saint Albert the Great School Principal Ed Vittardi at morning mass. “This, as we reflect on the blessing of our liberty, we ask our Heavenly Father that we may be faithful stewards of the freedom we have been granted. Let us never forget that we cannot rightfully celebrate the joy of our freedom without remembering the great price paid for that freedom.”
Barbo, who has has personal family ties to the military, noted that the yearly Salute is not only important for young people, but adults as well. Her yearly Military Salute grew from humble roots as a class project to an entire sixth grade learning unit that continues to gain momentum and attendance from military guests each year.
“Many adults are unaware of the sacrifices those who served have made,” she said. “We unfortunately become somewhat immune to the military news we see on TV or read about sometimes in the back of the paper. We all are guilty of going about our daily lives without truly realizing the sacrifices these people have made. We need to celebrate their service, their sacrifice, and we need to be grateful.”
Antoskiewicz addressed the crowd and alerted them of the city’s upcoming participation in “Wreaths Across America,” a nationwide initiative that places donated wreaths on the graves of fallen heroes. “Wreaths Across America” will be at North Royalton Cemetery on Dec. 14 at noon with volunteers placing wreaths on the 337 graves of those who have served and fallen. On this designated day and time, people across America will all be doing the same at cemeteries in their communities. To learn more, volunteer or to sponsor a $15 wreath, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org and search specifically for North Royalton.
In his address, Mike Swallow of the Northeast Ohio Foundation for Patriotism (NEOPAT) explained the organization’s mission of promoting patriotic acts and providing financial assistance to military families.
“Many times, I hear people ask me how they can help,” Swallow said. “The first thing you can do is pray for the safety of service men and women and the second thing you can do is walk up to them and shake their hand. If you see someone with a military hat on, like a Vietnam Vet, walk up to them and say, ‘thank you.’ Imagine how even greater our country would be if we all remembered we are part of something bigger than ourselves.”
By SARA MACHO HILL
Contributing Writer

Veterans Day Celebrated Throughout North Royalton City Schools
Students and staff throughout North Royalton City Schools honored veterans for the sacrifice and commitment they have made throughout the years on Veterans Day. On November 11, Royal View Elementary held an all-school assembly. Led by the school’s Royal Ambassadors, students processed in to the gym carrying their classroom’s flag and then recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Wearing red, white and blue, the students sang patriotic songs, such as “One Call Away” and “Thank You Soldiers” and Student Council representatives read thank you poems. Student Council and third and fourth-grade Royal Ambassadors then presented the veterans in the audience with flowers. After a moment of silence for American troops, the veterans in attendance were asked to stand for a round of applause. Students also were able to create “Thank you stars” that included a picture of a veteran or special person in their life. These stars lined the hallways and everyone enjoyed reading the students’ tributes to these individuals on the stars.
Valley Vista Elementary held their annual all-school assembly to educate students as well as pay tribute to all those that have served. “The hallways and gym looked amazing with decorations celebrating the day,” said Principal Jeff Hill. “We sent out invitations to our families and this year we had an amazing 72 veterans in attendance. Valley Vista hospitality team greeted our families, Cub Scout Packs 218 and 526, led by Noah Rusher, Vincent Svejkovsky, Elija Kofinas, Jonathon Williams, Tyler Zielinski, Dominic Dottavio and DJ Magee presented the colors followed by the history and recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.” During the presentation, students sang “America the Beautiful” and the “Star Spangled Banner” as well as a special song they prepared in music class, “American Everyday.” “Guest speaker Sergeant First Class Justin Kruetzer did a wonderful job of presenting information in regards to his experiences while serving in The United States Army,” said Hill. Fourth grade students Ashton Roth, Vivan Nellis, Joseph Horrigan and Taylor Heisler read essays on their thoughts about Veterans Day. Following, each veteran was recognized by reciting his/her name, branch of military and years served. A video tribute to Valley Vista military parents was played using the books “Hero Mom” and “Hero Dad.” North Royalton High School students Hailey Dlugolinski and Frank Schultz played “Taps” in honor of all those that have fallen. Valley Vista’s Veterans Day assembly ended with a warm breakfast and great conversations with fellow veterans reminiscing about their days and years of serving our country.
At Albion Elementary, a delicious continental breakfast and reception for veterans was held. A presentation of colors was held outside the school around the flagpole. There also was an all-school assembly that honored the veterans in the gym.
In honor and observance of Veterans Day this year, fifth graders in Team Maverick at North Royalton Middle School hosted two combat veterans on November 8. Mr. Edwin Morley, a World War II veteran and Mr. Jeremy Gleisenger, an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, shared their experience serving the country. Additionally, social studies teachers designed lesson specifically honoring veterans while commemorating the importance of the day.
In all of the high school social studies classes at North Royalton High School, teachers explained the importance and history of Veterans Day through discussions on Armistice Day, World War I, and the history of the holiday. Sophomores read short stories on the action of six different American heroes of World War I. They created a “tweet” length summary describing each soldier’s heroics.
“Veterans Day isn’t a day of celebration as much as a day of gratitude and commemoration,” said teacher Matt Kish. “A day of appreciation for veterans we know, and those who have passed before our students were even alive. We often ask students to be sure to thank the veterans that they know in their lives, and to show gratitude to veterans that they meet.”