By Sam Gilkey
For the News-Gazette

Students at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School in St. Cloud paid honor to veterans during a special program Nov. 12.

The event featured remarks by several speakers, musical tributes by student groups and the releasing of commemorative red, white and blue balloons by representatives of the various classes at the school.

Tyler Edwards, an eighth-grade student and National Junior Honor Society President, pointed out how Americans have answered the call to military duty when their country needed them starting in the Revolutionary War and continuing through the current war on terrorism.

“Let us continue to help those veterans in need with the greatest possible compassion,” he said. “We can best pay tribute to this day by recognizing what they have achieved and joining them in their efforts to keep America strong and free.”

A member of the school’s faculty, Mark Gallagher, who also is a veteran, called on students to follow the example of veterans who have put service above their personal ambitions.

“Your deepest personal fulfillment and the future of our great nation will be in direct proportion to the quality and commitment of your service,” he said. “No matter what endeavor you choose, be it military, civic or religious service, that will be what makes a peacemaking America great.”

The ceremony honored three veterans who have served their country.

Ralph Marantino, whose grandson, Anthony, helped post the colors, came from his home in New Jersey to be a part of the program. Marantino served in Vietnam and told the students that he was not well received when he returned to the states, even by some family members.

“In the 45 years that I have been home, I have never felt more welcomed or proud of my service than being in front of you now,” he said.

John Lasky, a 22-year Air Force veteran and now commander of VFW Post 3227 in St. Cloud, paid tribute to Robert Singleton who stood beside him.

Singleton, 83, of St. Cloud, served in World War II as a tail gunner on aircraft, as a medic in Korea and also in the Vietnam war during a long, distinguished career in the military.

Twelve-year-old Javier Montalvo, a seventh grader at the school, said he has two cousins who are veterans.

“Veterans Day is a day we celebrate the men and women who have shed their blood for our country to be as strong as it is now,” he said.

That observation was echoed by Father Kent Walker, pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Church who in the closing prayer thanked God for the freedom given to this country and its people.

“We remember again these men and women who lost their lives and the veterans of many wars who have worked so hard in their sacrifice to bring us peace and protection.”

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