Middletown Area Middle School (MAMS) commemorated Veterans Day with its annual breakfast and program. This is the 29th year for the event, and just as in years past, it was a meaningful ceremony for staff, students, and veterans in our community, many of whom attend with their grandchildren, who are MAMS students.
Middletown Area High School Class of 1983 graduate and United States Coast Guard veteran EM3 Gilbert Morrissey was the event’s featured speaker. He shared with students how attending a high school career day in 10th grade changed the course of his life. His dream was to be a member of the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), but since he did not yet meet the age requirement to join PSP, he enlisted in the Coast Guard on his 18th birthday and served for five years. He eventually fulfilled his lifelong goal of becoming a Pennsylvania State Trooper, where he served for twenty years and retired at the rank of lieutenant in 2012. He went on to have a successful career in the electrical business and security consulting.
Morrissey shared how, while in the military, he learned skills of discipline, teamwork, and the importance of details. He encouraged students to set realistic goals, surround themselves with supportive people, and get to know their personal strengths and weaknesses.
The event also featured a medley of patriotic music from the MAMS Band and essay readings from students Mina Romany (sixth grade), Mia Leonard (seventh grade), and Ashmeena Bhattari (eighth grade), all who are finalists in the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen Youth Essay Contest. Veterans from all branches of the United States Armed Forces were also recognized.
The event concluded with the laying of a memorial wreath by MAMS Student Council Co-Presidents Blake Viozzi and Reagan Young, and Taps by Alyx Carnes, all eighth graders.
MASD would like to thank American Legion Post 594, VFW Post 1620, Moose Lodge Post 410, Lower Swatara Lions Club, and Middletown Anglers and Hunters for their sponsorship of the event.
See the gallery below for event photos!