When Mimi Magill, an employee at The King’s Christian School in Cherry Hill, found out the school would be honoring veterans in a special way this Veterans Day, she immediately wanted to participate.
Her grandfather, Oscar Benevento, was a World War II veteran. He passed away at the age of 96 in 2014.
“He was so proud of his service,” Magill said.
Last Wednesday, Benevento and dozens of other veterans were honored at the King’s Christian School’s inaugural Veterans Day breakfast. All veterans and active military personnel related to students and staff at the school were invited to participate.
The veterans were remembered both inside and outside the school. The driveway leading up to the building was lined with American flags. Families had the opportunity to purchase a flag in honor of a veteran. Proceeds from the purchase went toward Wounded Warrior Project.
Magill made sure to purchase a flag to honor Benevento.
“I have a flag out there for him,” she said proudly.
Magill talked of how the flag allows Benevento’s memory to stay alive. This was theme of the ceremony, as all those in attendance remembered those who served in different points in America’s history.
John Rose, a chaplain for America’s Keswick, a ministry teaching a Christian message through addiction recovery, served in the Army during the Vietnam War. He spoke about his memories in the service and fondly recalled many of his fellow soldiers.
“I remember those who served alongside of me,” he said.
The ceremony wasn’t just about honoring those who were in attendance. High school senior Jared Hacking talked about those who died or were missing in action. Those veterans were symbolized at the ceremony through a rose sitting next to the podium.
“We remember them,” Hacking said multiple times during his speech.
The day was also about remembering those currently in the service. Edward Bober is a Vietnam War veteran who attended last week’s ceremony after receiving an invitation from his grandson. Bober talked about how people should take Veterans Day to remember active military personnel.
“We have to think about the guys still serving,” Bober said. “They’re in harm’s way every day.”
SSgt. Andrew Lima of the United States Army and SSgt. Jonathan Foisy of the United States Marines were working as recruiters at last week’s event. Both felt Americans today have a stronger appreciation than they did in the past. They also said there is an increase in enthusiasm in joining the military.
“It’s better than it has been before,” Lima said.
Foisy said with more middle and high school students taking science, technology and engineering classes than ever before, they are better prepared to join the military in a variety of roles.
“Kids are definitely more tech savvy today,” Foisy said.
Many of the veterans and active personnel thanked those in attendance for thinking of them during Veterans Day. Rose described the ceremony as one of the most moving events he’s ever taken part in.
“I’m proud to be a veteran,” he said. “I’m also proud to be an American.”
