Veterans Day at BHS Still Going Strong

For the past 19 years Salvatore Zarra and Rich Biondi have co-chaired the Veterans Day program at Branford High School, inviting about 30 veterans to speak to the students about their experiences in Afghanistan, Iraq, Vietnam, Korea and even World War II.

On Wednesday morning the veterans met early for coffee then congregated in the front lobby of the high school for a group picture before marching into the Commons before the entire student body and faculty. Wednesday was the official Veteran’s Day.

The high school band played old military favorites like, ​“Anchors Away,” the fight song of the United States Naval Academy and the Marines’ Hymn, ​“The Halls of Montezuma” and the National Anthem, before school principal Lee Panagoulias (pictured) welcomed the veterans.

Other speakers during the brief program included Zarra who welcomed the students and introduced all the veterans by name and told the students where they served. Here the students are applauding.

Elliott Hastings, Chaplin for the Branford American Legion Post 83, recited a prayer of remembrance for those killed or injured during all wars.

Speakers among the vets included Branford faculty member Sgt. David Gruendel (L‑R)who served during the Persian Gulf War. He introduced Sgt. Andres Wullaert, a member of the 10th Mountain Division who served in Afghanistan.

Families included brothers Alex and Jake Palluzzi, Tess Palluzzi, a student at BHS, Alex Palluzzi Sr., and Stan and Jim Petela.

Over 1,000 were in attendance for the opening program which later broke off to smaller groups in the main auditorium and in a number of classrooms. The smaller groups heard stories from the veterans about each conflict.

A special group included Bill Ahern and Joe Caporale, (pictured), members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

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