Inspiring Gratitude: Empowering the Next Generation to Honor Our Veterans

In today's society, many citizens take their safety for granted, often unaware of the profound sacrifices made to secure the freedom we enjoy. Veterans stand as a testament to selflessness and courage, having risked their lives to protect our nation. However, a significant issue in our nation is that these heroes are frequently overlooked and underappreciated. Fair Lawn, with its strong support systems, demonstrates a deep commitment to active and reserve military members, as well as veterans. Our community honors veterans through various means, such as the Military Veteran Monument unveiled on November 11th, 2022, the plaques in the high school lobby  commemorating alumni who served our country, and the annual Memorial Day Parade.

Despite these commendable efforts, there is always more we can do to deepen the connection  between the younger generation and the sacrifices these monuments represent. As an upcoming senior at Fair Lawn High School, I have observed that many students walk past these monuments daily without fully appreciating their significance. While our community has made significant strides in honoring our veterans, there is an opportunity to further engage and educate students to ensure they fully recognize and honor these brave individuals. 

This summer, I had the privilege of attending the Pindar Leadership and Character Seminar, a program spear-headed by three USMA 2024 Army Officers: Thomas Ward, Michael Rooney, and Christian Dionisio. Over the course of this three-week seminar, I delved into West Point’s principles of character and learned how to apply these values through meaningful and measurable leadership. One of the seminar’s key initiatives, the Pindar Project, challenged participants to identify a problem within their community and lead with integrity and character to address it. 

Using the Pindar Project Planning Worksheets, which emphasized the importance of deeply  reflecting on problem definition statements and formulating various Courses of Action (COAs), I  brainstormed ways to recognize and express gratitude to our veterans. After carefully  considering different approaches, I presented a five-minute pitch to the Pindar leaders, outlining  my vision for this project. With the support and endorsement of Mr. Ward, Mr. Dionisio, and Mr.  Rooney, I have been encouraged to pursue this project with integrity, ensuring that I do the right things, in the right ways, for the right reasons. Mr. Dionisio’s feedback has been invaluable, helping me to reflect on my progress and consider the best possible steps forward.

The ultimate goal of my project is to educate and inspire the younger generation in my  community about the sacrifices and heroism of our veterans. By organizing activities and  in-person events, and partnering with local organizations that share this mission, I aim to ensure that future leaders and citizens honor and recognize the invaluable contributions of our veterans. In the future, I also aspire to broaden the scope of recognition to include other professions such as police officers, firefighters, EMTs, garbage collectors, doctors, nurses, and teachers—individuals who serve our community with dedication and selflessness. This will foster a culture of gratitude and respect for those who dedicate their lives to the greater good. 

As a proud delegate of Jersey Boys State, sponsored by American Legion Post #171, I had the honor of interviewing three veterans from the post. This experience allowed me to gain in-depth  insights into their service and the opportunities and benefits of serving our country. To further my mission, I have created a social media platform—a space where high school students frequently engage—to publicize my project and connect with my peers. This platform will serve as a hub for sharing stories, organizing events, and encouraging students to get involved in  recognizing our veterans. 

Moving forward, I plan to partner with additional veteran organizations across Bergen County to host in-person events. These events will provide high school students with opportunities to interact directly with veterans, hear their stories, and develop a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made for our country. By fostering these connections, I hope to inspire a sense of responsibility and gratitude among the younger generation.

In a world where the sacrifices of veterans are often overlooked, it is essential to educate the younger generation about the importance of honoring those who have served our country.  Through my project, I aim to ensure that the sacrifice of our veterans are never forgotten and that future generations continue to uphold a culture of respect and appreciation for these selfless heroes. Together, we can inspire a community that recognizes and celebrates the invaluable contributions of our veterans, ensuring that their legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of all who benefit from their service.