Principal's Message May 2019

At Ramsey High School, we constantly strive to offer students chances to perform on the big stage. Our Memorial Day Ceremony was a resounding success because of the efforts of our fantastic students and teachers. I would like to highlight one of the speeches that captured the essence of our Memorial Day ceremony:

"Hello everyone, my name is Chris Azouri and I am the Vice President of the Patriots Club here at the high school. Our goal is to support our troops and care for our veterans. Before I joined this club I thought Memorial Day was a time for barbeques, or a time for road trips to the beach, or even a long weekend where I got to catch up on my sleep. Now I know that it is a time to remember and reflect. Those who serve know that freedom comes with a cost. Unfortunately, that means human sacrifice. Since 9/11 we have lost a total of 6,731 brave men and women who laid down their lives to preserve the basic rights we all take for granted. That is 6,731 lives that were cut short. Ronald Reagan said it best, “They gave up two lives: the one they were living and the one they would have lived.” Most of us have plans to go to college, get married, and grow old. But these servicemen and women have given up their hopes of a comfortable life for us.

I recently learned the story of a true hero, Marine Corps Corporal Mark A. Evnin of Burlington, Vermont. In 2003, Evnin and his fellow Marines found themselves in Al-Kūt, fighting in the early days of the Iraq invasion. On that day’s patrol, nothing out of the ordinary was happening. But all of a sudden, gunshots began to ring out from a grove of trees on their left.

Evnin and his fellow Marines found themselves in an ambush. Instead of running, they dug their heels into the sandy terrain and returned fire. Corporal Evnin began to charge toward the grove of trees when an AK-47 round hit him in the lower abdomen. Although he was clinging onto life, the Marines around him applied first aid even though they knew they had little chance of saving their friend. In his last moments, they asked if they could do anything to make him more comfortable. Corporal Evnin’s reply was clear and direct: “No, I am right where I want to be,” he said. “I am with my brothers.”

Corporal Evnin is not a person we read about in history, but he is one of many American heroes that give their lives to enable us to live free. I want you to think about two questions. Why do you do what you do and where is it taking you? Every single day there are brave men and women who are fighting for people that they have never met. While you are enjoying that burger at your barbecue or tanning at the Jersey Shore, take a moment to reflect upon the real meaning behind Memorial Day. Honor all of those in the Army, Marines, Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard -- all who serve, and their families -- by making a positive impact on somebody’s life over Memorial Day weekend. When you’re in the drive thru buy the person’s meal behind you, open a door for an elderly person, or sit down and talk to someone you don’t know. Thank a veteran or after-duty servicemember. It doesn't matter how big or small of an impact you make, just do it for those who lost their lives serving others. The Patriots Club is walking in the Memorial Day parade on Monday at 10:30 on Maple Street. Everyone is welcome to come join us to remember our heroes. Thank you for your time."