Commack Schools Holds Tribute to the Troops

The Commack Union Free School District held a Tribute to the Troops in honor of our nation’s veterans and active armed service members on May 11. Taking place on Commack High School’s newly dedicated Bryan Bonin Memorial Baseball Field, the ceremony is expected to become an annual tradition.

“We as Americans are immensely grateful to our military personnel who are serving our country and to our veterans who have paved the way,” said Dr. Jordan Cox, Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the Commack School District. “These men and women are committed to their duty, often leaving their own families and loved ones to serve in different states, overseas, or sometimes even paying the utmost sacrifice by giving their lives to protect our freedom.”

Dr. Cox noted that he himself is the product of multiple generations of veterans. His father served during the Vietnam War; his grandfather in World War II; and his great-great grandfather in World War I, fighting in the Battle of Argonne Forest.

“I think about the values my great-great grandfather passed down that helped shape me into the person I am today,” he said. “Core values such as integrity, respect, duty, selfless service, honor, loyalty and personal courage.”

The ceremony took place before the afternoon’s high school baseball game and representatives from the Army and Marines threw the first pitch. The District’s Baseball Booster Club donated food and held a barbecue, and Dr. Kavita Mariwalla provided free skin cancer screenings in honor of Bonin, who passed away in January after a year-long battle with skin cancer.

In addition to school officials, service members and veterans, attendees included Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney, Huntington Town Supervisor Ed Smyth, Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta, Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy, Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy; Thomas McLaughlin, a representative from State Senator Mario Mattera’s office attended.

For more information about the Commack School District, please visit the District's website at https://www.commackschools.org. Happenings in the District can also be followed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/commackschooldistrict.