“Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through goodwill and mutual understanding between nations.” U.S. Congress
On Veterans Day, members of the Brother Martin community and the NJROTC celebrated our veterans who put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe and defend the ideals of our country. A ceremony was held in the Conlin Gymnasium with a prayer service that included our NJRTOC Cadets, student body, faculty, administration and guests including the family of Chief Petty Officer Jacques Fontan, a Class of 1986 alumnus. President Greg Rando ‘77 also gave his remarks about Chief Fontan and Veterans Day.
On June 28, 2005, a rocket propelled grenade hit a CH-47 in Afghanistan, killing all those on board. The mission set out to save a SEAL team caught behind enemy lines and fighting for their lives. A second helicopter was able to pick up the only survivor of the attack, Petty Officer Marcus Luttrell. Detailed in the book and movie Lone Survivor, Fontan was killed in the rescue attempt. During the ceremony, his family was presented a replica of a brick inscribed with the name of Chief Fontan that is part of a veterans memorial created as an Eagle Scout project by Brandon Bonvillian ’19.
Not only did our school celebrate Veterans Day but senior Eric Gegenheimer was also awarded the Legion of Valor by Col. Terry Ebbert, USMC (Ret). This organization is made up of heroes that were presented their Service Cross or Medal of Honor, the two highest awards for valor in military engagements. For the fifth year in a row, the Legion of Valor selected a Brother Martin NJROTC cadet for the Bronze Cross as the Outstanding Junior in Area 8. Only two cadets from each of the 11 areas earn this award and only 22 cadets nationwide out of more than 15,000 juniors at 583 schools.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Commander Bruce Nolan '90, USN (Ret.), Chief Petty Officer Terry Necaise, USN (Ret.), President Greg Rando ‘77, Cadets, and guests processed to the flagpole in the backyard for a wreath laying ceremony in honor of Chief Petty Officer Jacques Fontan. Joining them was the Crusader Band who began with the National Anthem as the Cadets saluted and the Color Guard raised the Colors. As the last note of the anthem played, the Color Guard proceeded out and a moment of silence fell across the crowd while the family brought a wreath to the plaque commemorating Chief Fontan’s service.
As Veterans, Commander Nolan and Chief Necaise along with our NJROTC would like to thank our Brother Martin family for your support and gratitude of our veterans!
