Veterans Honored at NCHS Symposium

"These are heros you have in front of you today," said Principal Tony Pavia about the 80 men and women being honored at 's annual Veterans Symposium on May 27.

"All of these people at the same age as you left their homes to go to parts unknown," he said.

Pavia asked the students to remember what this weekend is all about -- to honor people who gave their lives for our country.

"I was a veteran lucky enough to come home," said First Selectman Jeb Walker, who commended Pavia for holding the annual recognition event.

The keynote speaker was retired Army Captain Paul Bucha, who was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1970 and received it from President Richard Nixon. Bucha put his life on the line in Vietnam while leading his men who were outnumbered by the enemy. Bucha then aided in the recovery and retrieval of the wounded and dead, leaving no one behind.

Medal of Honor recipients are no different than other people who believe in a better world, Bucha explained.  "They refused to accept death and instead challenged destiny to change things."

"The lesson," he said, "is each of us has the potential to change this world."  

Bucha and many of his fellow veterans of the Vietnam War were not welcomed nor thanked when they returned home. Today his mission is to insure veterans in combat or not receive the respect and thanks they deserve for their service.

"Never again will we allow a nation to forget," he said.

Many talented students contributed to the event.  

Ali Rusch sang a soaring version of "God Bless America," accompanied on the piano by Alyssa Thompson.  

Kyle Connor and Harrison Harkey's film tribute  includes original music by Rob Mallozzi.

The NCHS Madrigals sang an acappella tribute called "Lead Me Home." 

Veterans stood and saluted as the anthem from their branch of the military was played by The Parris Island Marine Corps Band.

New Canaan veterans from the Army included Syd Greenberg, who began his career as a photographer in World War II. Jim Bach served in the Korean War. Peter Langenus, commander of VFW Post 653, served in both Vietnam and Desert Storm. Jeb Walker, Jim Davis, John Kaletri, Mike McGlinn, Rich Maynes and John Shufeldt all served in Vietnam. John Engel served in Desert Storm. Chris Cogswell served in Desert Storm and Panama.

Navy veterans Bob Moylan and Bill Sessions served in World War II. Ken Jayne, Bob Batterson and Ed Smith and Dr. Tom Flynn served in Korea. 

Marine Corps veterans Vince Luciano and John Speiss served in Korea. Ed McSorley served in Vietnam and was awarded two Purple Hearts.

Air Force veterans Al Akromas served in World War II, Jack Murray served in Korea and Paul Sedlak served during Vietnam.

Army veteran Peter Barella has worked in security at NCHS since 1998. He is among the veterans of Korea, called "The Forgotten War," who were designated grand marshalls in this years Memorial Day parade and was also the keynote speaker.

"From defending the front lines in Korea to defending the students at NCHS, Mr. Barella has made a lifetime of helping others," reads his biography.

Everyday Barella waves the students safely in and out of NCHS's parking lot. They wave back and say thank you -- in more ways than one.