Wantagh High School students are maintaining their strong connections with local veterans. Three seniors attended a Veterans Day ceremony at the American Airpower Museum at Republic Airport on Nov. 11, and said meeting America’s heroes was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Earlier this year, dozens of Wantagh students accompanied veterans on the Soaring Valor trip to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans through the Gary Sinise Foundation. It was through that connection that this new opportunity became available, and Josh Berlin, John Paul Haubeil and Alec Spar attended the Veterans Day ceremony proudly representing Wantagh High School.

“It felt like a capsule-in-time moment,” said John Paul, adding that being able to talk with World War II veterans was an experience like no other. One of the highlights was meeting someone served as a naval aviator, just like his grandfather. 

The students were able to join the veterans on one of two flights aboard a Douglas C-47 Skytrain, the same plane model flown during World War II. The 20-minute trips passed over Long Island National Cemetery. The ceremony also included speeches, musical presentations and a moment of silence. It was attended by veterans who fought in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War, and represented the different service branches.

For Josh, John Paul and Alec, the greatest joy was interacting with the veterans, including two 102-year-olds who served in World War II. The students marveled at their energy, sense of humor and willingness to share their stories.

“To talk to people who have done everything for our country, it’s amazing,” Alec said. “They have sacrificed so much for us. They’re much more than people who went out to war and came back. They all have personal lives and stories outside of war. Sometimes those get overshadowed.”

The students enjoyed learning about the veterans’ careers, families and hobbies, as their post-war lives have spanned almost eight decades. Josh noted that they were only a year or two older than he is now when they joined the military. 

“Their time in the war is only one part of what defines them,” he said.

Alec, a student-musician at Wantagh High School, said that one of the most unforgettable moments for him was hearing a World War II veteran play “America the Beautiful” and the national anthem on his saxophone. 

Social studies teacher Sean Naughton, who joined the students at the event, said it was an honor for him to see them interact with the veterans and hear their experiences from before, during and after the war. To learn first-hand from people who lived history can’t be replicated in any book, he added.

“They were able to meet these men who have had full lives after the war,” Mr. Naughton said. “I was very proud of how friendly and respectful my students were.”