Veterans, Active Military Honored at Watchung Hills HS Dedication

Principal George Alexis opened the dedication ceremony on Oct. 29 with words of welcome and made known that 130 names of graduates in the armed forces had already been submitted for inclusion on the armed services honor roll.

Names of alumni who are presently serving, or who have served, are still being sought, and can be submitted to Vice Principal Terence MacConnell. All such names will be transcribed into a commemorative book to be kept in an accessible location in the Main Office.

Unveiling of permanent plaque

The finale of the program was the unveiling of a plaque by Principal George Alexis and Superintendent Elizabeth Jewett. The plaque, donated by the Watchung Hills High School Board of Education, had remained under wraps in one corner of the stage, to be revealed at the close of the ceremony.

"This plaque will acknowledge the young men and women who have selflessly given their time, energy, and too often their lives so that our freedom is protected," said an open invitation to alumni veterans posted before the event on the school website by MacConnell.

The plaque contains the symbols of the five branches of service and words of tribute to the “brave graduates who have served in the military and made unimaginable sacrifices to protect our freedom.” The plaque will be affixed to the wall in a place of prominence to the left of the entry of the Performing Arts Center.

At last week's ceremony, the spirit of patriotism was very dominant as the Color Guard of the Warren Township Police Department posted the colors, following which, the Watchung Hills Regional High School Band, under the baton of David Udell, performed “Armed Forces on Parade,” a musical snapshot highlighting the themes of the nation’s armed services.

A name and face familiar to the Watchung Hills community, Bill Apgar, gave the invocation. Colonel (retired) William Apgar Jr., not only is an alumnus of the Class of 1962, but also served as chairperson of the Watchung Hills Regional Board of Education, and in many other capacities in the service of Warren Township and the Watchung Hills.

Looking to Berlin, Cuba, Vietnam, Iraq, the War on Terror worldwide—all since 1957, and within the school’s history—Apgar cited the dedication of the men and women who have served the nation and admonished, “Keep them close to your heart. Eternally memorialize their efforts,” he urged his audience.

Jewett in her comments, talked about those who had been so unselfish, having given of their time, and some, of their very lives. She introduced the guest speaker, Colonel Daniel Mahon, who serves as Director of Logistics, New Jersey Army National Guard.

In his 42 years of service, Col. Mahon, a Warren Township resident and father of two Watchung Hills students, has had ample opportunity to observe the wide parameters of volunteerism. He said, “Making a difference is not always a grandiose effort but can be as simple as volunteering for humble tasks — at home, in the neighborhood, for service organizations." He pointed to the nearby Veterans Administration hospital in the Lyons section of Basking Ridge as an example. A short film indicated some of the  tasks high school youth could perform.

Three Watchung Hills “Service Mothers” Inspire Military Honors Event

Quietly sitting in the front row of the auditorium were three Watchung women, through whose efforts, to a large extent, the tribute to the school’s service men and women was initiated. They wished to have no special recognition or credits in the program, but it was due to their inspiration and persistence that the event took shape. 

All Watchung residents, they are: Bonnie Plotkin, Ronnie Liebowitz and Gail Tafaro. All have sons who serve, or have served, in the Armed Forces.

Alex Plotkin, Class of 2004, is presently stationed in Hawaii but this month will be going to Fort Bragg, N.C. to work in civil affairs in the Army. He graduated Lehigh University in 2009, where he participated in the ROTC program and has been in the Army since then. He previously served in Iraq. Currently he a first lieutenant and is awaiting his promotion to captain. 

Aaron Liebowitz Raymar, Class of 2004, Lehigh Class of 2008, served as a captain in the U.S. Army. He served his country in Basrah, Iraq. Among other awards, Aaron received the Bronze Star for his service. He is currently an Associate Brand Manager for Kraft Foods in Madison, WI.

Christopher Tafaro, Class of 2000, a Virginia Tech graduate of the Corp Cadet program, served in the rank of Captain in the Marine Corp. He was deployed to Japan then deployed to Iraq with a Unit of 269 men. Currently, he is in employed with Fidelity Investments.

At the request of the “founding mothers,” the senior class had been invited to attend the ceremony with the hope that some students might be inspired to serve country and community upon graduation.