Walt Whitman HS Graduates Heading To Military Saluted By District

SOUTH HUNTINGTON, NY — The South Huntington School District held its annual Military Breakfast for the Walt Whitman High School graduates heading for military service, the school district announced.

Local dignitaries and veterans joined family, administrators and school board members at the James Kaden Administrative Offices on June 6 to applaud the four seniors who will be joining the United States Armed Forces after graduation.

Superintendent Vito D'Elia congratulated the students on their decision to join the armed forces.

"This is not an easy decision," D'Elia said. "You had a lot of choices, a lot of options. You chose to represent our country. And for that I thank you and congratulate you for all that you're planning to do for yourself and for this country."

Alexandro Feliciano is joining the United States Army. Colton Kraese has enlisted in the United States Navy. Shaun Murphy will be attending the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Marcus Nazario is joining the United States Air Force.

Each student was presented with a "Key to the District" and a commemorative medal with the seal of their respective armed services branch. They also received proclamations from the various politicians who represent Huntington on the town, county, state and national levels.

This event is one of the favorites each year for Walt Whitman Principal Dr. John Murphy, but this year’s breakfast was especially poignant for him because his son was one of those honored. As he commended the seniors on their "deep sense of duty and a willingness to sacrifice for the safety and freedom of others," he was not only addressing his students, but also his son, Shaun, a member of this year’s Whitman graduating class and a soon-to-be West Point cadet.

Murphy extended his "heartfelt thanks" to the other military parents for their "instrumental guidance and support in shaping these young men and women."

"As you prepare to embark on your journey, remember that you carry the support and pride of your families and the entire school community," Murphy said. "The lessons you have learned here, both in the classroom and beyond, will serve you well as you face the challenges ahead. You have become a thoughtful, compassionate, and resilient group of individuals ready to take on the world. Please know that your service is not taken lightly, and we appreciate all you do for our community and our country."

Several other Whitman seniors, who are not going into military service, were also recognized by the armed services for their accomplishments in high school including distinguished scholastic, athletic, musical and leadership excellence.

The military recognition breakfast has become an annual graduation tradition in the district purposely held on June 6 every year on what has become known as "D-Day." It marks the largest seaborne invasion in history when 150K Allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy, France during World War II, pushing back against the Axis forces of Germany, Italy and Japan.