Veterans Day observed at Hebron Academy

HEBRON – The Hebron Academy community paused recently to recognize the sacrifices and contributions of American veterans.

Mr. Mike Jones, Hebron Academy history teacher and college counselor organized a Veterans Day ceremony for students and faculty that took place during the Community Meeting period on Wednesday, November 10. Mr. Jones, science teacher Gino Valeriani and buildings and grounds director Mike Hughes spoke of their personal experiences associated with the armed services: Mr. Jones and Mr. Valeriani each as the sons of World War II soldiers, and Mr. Hughes as a 24+ year serviceman whose most recent detail included preparing soldiers for duty in Iraq. Mr. Valeriani also spoke as the father of Peary Valeriani ’07, an Army MP currently stationed in Iraq.

While each man spoke, photographs from their own family albums circulated on a screen behind them, displaying images of World War II and the Iraq War.

Mr. Jones focused on the history of Veterans Day, a day that evolved from Armistice Day - instituted in 1920 following the “war to end all wars,” now known as World War I. Mr. Jones also emphasized the fact that veterans are everyday people and could easily be anyone present in the assembly hall, men and women of every diverse American subset.

Mr. Valeriani encouraged all present to listen to veterans’ stories. He told of his father’s vivid memories of rescue missions while stationed in Greenland. He also wanted the students to know that his father is a first generation American, who had spent part of his youth growing up with family in Italy, and how he fought, conceivably, against his former countrymen. Mr. Valeriani also said his son wanted him to “share with current Hebron students what it is really like to be a soldier.”

Mr. Hughes expressed the work ethic instilled in veterans. He said, “Veterans have in common a desire to exceed; there is always a sense that he or she can do more. This is a value instilled in American servicemen and women.” He pointed to examples of Mr. Ron Brooks and Mr. Tim Scammon, both Vietnam veterans who work in his department.

The community then saw a slideshow of American wartime images from the past century, created by Mr. Jones, ending with a brief film showing the exemplary spirit and resilience of Brandon Marrocco, four-limb amputee and Iraq Veteran.

The school a capella singers, the Hebeegeebees, under the direction of music department chair Beth Barefoot, led the assembly in singing the National Anthem. Mr. Jones said of the day, “We are fortunate to have this incredible school in this beautiful part of the country, and I wanted to remind ourselves of the sacrifices that others make, and have made, so that we can live the lives we live. The students were a great audience, and I could not have been more pleased with the respect the Hebron community gave to the day.”

Hebron Academy was founded in 1804 and is an independent, co-educational boarding and day school that serves grades six through postgraduate. The Academy's mission is to inspire and guide students to reach their highest potential in mind, body, and spirit. Two hundred sixty students from throughout Maine, New England, the United States, and the world attend the school. For more information, please visit www.hebronacademy.org or call 966-2100.

Hebron honors veterans Photo:

HEBRON HONORS VETERANS - Hebron Academy students and teachers gathered to mark Veteran's Day with the personal stories and recollections of faculty members. Science teacher Gino Valeriani described the experiences of his son Peary Valeriani, a member of the Hebron Academy class of 2007, who is an Army MP on his first tour of duty, currently stationed in Iraq.