Photos by Patrick Olivero
FAIR HAVEN – Plenty of veterans attended the 2019 Fair Haven Veterans Day Ceremony to hear thoughts from the mayor, guest speakers and students.
Knollwood School student Claudia Braceland performed “The Star-Spangled Banner”; seventh- and eighth-grade students from the school’s band, led by their teachers, Sara E. Marino and Mel Chayette, played a selection of patriotic music during the ceremony. The Fair Haven Police honor guard presented the colors.
Knollwood School Veterans Day essay contest winners Hailey Blum, Mariana Hart, Lawrence Li and Milana Strulowitz read their own words at the ceremony.
Fair Haven resident and former Marine Joe Perrotto shared remarks, reminding those in attendance that veterans are more than just those who fought on the front line or flew dangerous combat missions, as there are many who served in support roles. He then introduced guest speaker Nancy Medrow, a current Fair Haven First Aid Squad line officer who served in the U.S. Army as an environmental engineer.
Fair Haven Mayor Ben Lucarelli shared a brief history of Veterans Day and introduced borough council member-elect Michael McCue for the presentation of the wreaths.
They also greeted Fair Haven resident Ray Taylor, an Army World War II veteran who gave the closing remarks. Taylor has spoken at every Veterans Day ceremony since 1949.
