001Yeah. >> Okay. Sorry. >> $49. Every pressure washer has the same fundamental flaw and nobody was fixing Pressure washers all rely on motors, engines, or electricity to generate force. >> Yeah, I refuse to believe that was the possibility. >> I would start off UAL Memorial Day ceremony. My name is Miss Flity. I am student council faculty advisor along Whitman Henriquez a teacher here at I would like to extend a warm welcome to the city of Waterberry gold star families the waterberry veterans memorial committee members of our military and armed forces mayor Paul Keneroski Jr. Superintendent Michael Carco Senator Joan Hartley all of our veterans and family members here today and finally to the class of 2026. Thank you all for attending today to respectfully honor those we have lost to the service of our country.
002As the nation prepares to commemorate those who have fallen in defense of our country and our liberties and ceremonies across the country, schools play an important role in helping students to understand the significance of Memorial Day. Key notes of today's ceremony are simplicity, dignity, and sincerity. We begin this tradition at Kater Tech during the Vietnam War as a way to help students understand why they need a day off from school. We wanted to make students aware of the sacrifices that are made by our servicemen and women, especially during times of war. We are proud the ceremony has had the same feel throughout the years, one of remembrance and dignity. The success and beauty of this day depends on everyone. The ceremony lasts only an hour, but hopefully those in attendance, especially the students, are left
003with a lasting impression, an increased sense of pride, patriotism, and appreciation for what these people have given our freedoms in America. Now, I'd like to introduce Leila Benjamin from our student council, who will be our master of ceremony. Good morning, state and local dignitaries, veterans, goldstar families, honored guests, and friends. My name is Leila Benjamin, and I am the president of the Kanor Student Council. I have served as president for this school year. It is my pleasure to serve as master of ceremonies today as we honor nine of our finest graduates who sacrifice so much for each of us. The members of our Foreverway organization will now present our colors to a member of the Veterans Memorial Committee. This flag folding ceremony represents the principles on which our country was originally founded. As the students
004present the flag and fold it according to the demands of tradition, Canor students Faith Mason and Tiffany Soua will read what each fold symbolizes. The first of our flag is a symbol of life. The second pole is a symbol of our belief. The third pole is made in honor in remembrance of the veterans. The fourth pole represents our weaker nature. The fifth gold is a tribute to our country. The sixth gold is for where our hearts lie. The seventh goal is a tribute to our armed forces. For through the armed forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies. The eighth bold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death. The ninth fold is a tribute to Belinda. The 10fold is a tribute
005to the father where he too has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country. The 11th hole in the eyes of Hebrew citizen represents the lower piece of the seal of King David and King. It glorifies in their eyes the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The 12fold in the eyes of a Christian citizen represents the emblem of eternity and glorify in their eyes the God, the father, the son, and the holy ghost. When flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national model. In God we trust. Thank you. And now to honor our servicemen and women, both past and present, please stand for the pledge of allegiance. I can't. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which
006it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Say you see by the dawn early light. was so proud we held at the twilight last gleaming who stripes and bright stars through the par and the rock The walls bursting in air gave through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that star spangle better yet for the land of the free and the home of the bra of the brave. Now I would like to introduce our principal Dr. Hillyard to say a few words. Hey, good morning everyone. Our distinguished guests of honor, veterans and members of the veterans memorial committee. The honorable mayor Paul Perani Jr., Mayor Waterberry, State Senator Joan Hartley, CTECS Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Michael Crocker, our gold star mom, Miss Mary Knight, invited guests,
007dignitaries, faculties, students, and others in attendance. Is indeed a pleasure for me to welcome you to our annual Memorial Day event. I am Dr. Ken Hillyard, principal of Kert Tech, and this is my honor to once again present this to you along with the student council. Ironically, this is the third consecutive year that we've had to move this ceremony indoors. Some folks can remember it outdoors, but we're very grateful to be able to present it to you. Nonetheless, the ceremony is so special to the Kanan community that we wanted to make sure that we continue to honor our many veterans, past and present on this special day. Traditionally, as we said, this event is held outdoors and it always is held on the Thursday prior to Memorial Day. As you enter our school grounds, everyone
008can see the many American flags that were placed near our front entrance. These flags represent and symbolize our freedom that has been fought for and defended by the members of the armed forces, including the many veterans and family members that are present at our ceremony today. I would like to thank all of our veterans for their sacrifices and all of the students and staff members who took the time to place these flags out so that everyone could see. We have a lot to be thankful for. Most importantly today, we are thankful that you chose to be here with us. I'd like to thank our student council co-advisors, Miss Shannon Clarity and Miss Lisa Enriquez for continuing this tradition. I'd also like to thank the members of our student council for presenting this event. Thank you
009very much. And additionally, our singing panthers under the direction of Miss Sarah Patel, our musical director who once again presented wonderful music for us. Many members of our faculty, staff, and students have worked hard to present this program. So, I'd like to thank them. Also, thank you to our parents, staff members, and students who have who continue to serve in the armed forces. At the conclusion of this program, as mentioned, we invite you to be our guests in our culinary dining room for a brief moment. In closing, I'd like to say that I thank you for today's ceremony. I hope it is a fitting tribute to our veterans and we look forward to continuing working with you. Thank you very much. Thank you, Dr. Hillyard. Our students will now present two readings. The first, a
010poem entitled Peace, will be read by Gary. Peace will come when people live in friendship side by side and cherish understanding more than hatred, greed and pride. Peace will come when people see all people as the same and no one has to live in fear, in ignorance or shame. Peace will come when people who are needy can reach out for food, shelter, or love. >> And no one has to be without them. Peace will come when people learn to listen and to care about the rights and dignity of people everywhere. Peace will come when love and trust and kindness knows rebirth. And on that day, people will rejoice in peace on earth. Thank you, Garrett. Now, Briana will read a piece by Edward A. Guest entitled Memorial Day by Edward A. Guess. These did not
011pass in selfishness. They died for all mankind. They died to build a better world for all who stayed behind and who hold their memories dear and bring them flowers today should consecrate ourselves once more to live and die as they were defenders of the faith and guardians of the truth that you and I might live in love they gladly gave their youth. And we who set this day apart to honor them who sleep should pledge ourselves to hold the faith that they gave their lives to keep. If tears are all we shed for them, then they have died in vain. If flowers are all we bring them, forgotten they remain. If by their courage we ourselves to courage are not led, then needlessly these graves have closed above our hero's death. To symbolize our love
012with flowers is not enough to do. We must be brave as they were brave and as true as they were true. They die to be built a better world and who we mourn today. should consecrate ourselves once more to live and die as they at this time I would like to ask you to please hold all applause during the gold star mother's portion of the ceremony I now present Mrs. Mary Kite mother of deceased veteran Michael Kite Mrs. This kite will also share a few words. This is a gold star mother's prayer. Dear God, we thank you for the many blessings you have granted and our country. Watch over our gold star parents who are present and those who are unable to be with us today. Grant them your grace and blessings on the days
013ahead. Amen. Usually I do this by heart, but but they're 97 years old and who forget a lot. So I decided I better write down what I want to say. As a representative of the gold star brothers who are no longer with us, I want to thank Dr. the principal, faculty and students who are here to honor because nine men who passed away that attended this school. You have never met these young men, but you're here to honor them and what they represent. Nine students will read each day and something about their life. Somewhere I heard if after your glove somebody mentions your name, you're not forgotten. So these nine men will not be forgotten today as their names are red. There are two mothers left. Anthony Dio's mother is living in Florida. She couldn't
014make it today. And myself, we're the only two left. I know after we're gone, this school will still honor these nine students and never let them forget what this is all about. This weekend is Memorial Day, a day to remember all of those who never came back. Whether you're at a picnic or a parade, or even just home, please stop one minute and think about those nine men. Soon somebody's going to read the names of those nine men and maybe on every Memorial Day you'll remember that one name that you read today and they will not be forgotten. So again, thank you, God bless you and have a good life because that's what they fought for. Thank you. Now, Mr. Jack Shay from the Veterans Memorial Committee will say a few words. At this time,
015I would like to welcome Mayor of Waterberry Paul K. Prineroski Jr. to say a few words. Good morning. Today we gather together to remember and honor brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. The loss of service members is never easy to accept, but their sacrifice reminds us of the courage and selflessness required to protect the freedoms and rights we often take for granted every day. These individuals gave everything for our country and for the principles that define America. Liberty, opportunity, and freedom for every individual. Their dedication, their sacrifice will never be forgotten. and it's our responsibility to continue honoring their memory not only today but every day. Memorial Day is also a reminder to support the families, the friends, the fellow service members who carry the weight of that
016sacrifice with them. I want to thank all who served and to those who continue serving our country today. And lastly, I want to thank all of you for being here today. keep the memory alive. And I particularly want to thank Kainer Technical High School for continuing this solemn and meaningful tradition year after year. Thank you all. Next, I would like to introduce Superintendent Michael Craco. Good morning everybody. >> So I was driving in today thinking about what I was going to say and I just out of the blue remembered this story that I had. So, when I was in eighth grade, our school went to Washington DC on a on a class trip. And before I went, my mom pulled me aside and said, "Uh, you're going to go see the Vietnam War Memorial when
017you're there, right?" And I looked at the agenda and I said, "Yeah, we're going to be we're going to spend half a day there." Um, so she gave me three names. Um, and she said, uh, and I remember one of them, John Pascal. So, she said, "When you go down there, look for this name for me. take a picture and bring it back to me. And she gave me a disposable camera because at the time we didn't have phones. It was just a disposable camera. So I went down there and took a picture and when I got home, I went and got the the kids. This is what you had to do back then. You had to go down to the pharmacy. You had to bring them the phone. They developed the picture. Usually like
018a week later, you got it. And then you brought it back to So I went and got the pictures developed. brought it back to my mom and I gave her the picture and it had the three names on it and I remember she had saw John Pascal's name and that's the one I remember. Um, and I saw her and she started crying and I had no idea what what she was crying about. And then it gave her the opportunity to sit down and tell me all about the friends that she had that ended up getting drafted and going to Vietnam and and the ones that she lost. And then she told me the story about John. It was it was a moment that I had with my mom and it was also the first time
019I realized the importance of this day of of taking the time to step back and remember those that have given so much for our country and the sacrifice that friends and family had to uh had to endure for that to happen. Um so it's really great that we do this at Kir. This is the So, this was the first event that I came to as superintendent last year. And I'll make a pledge to come to every single one as long as I'm the superintendent here because it's really important that we take the time to remember why we have the Monday off, why we have the barbecue, why we have a lot of fun, why we have the day off from school and the caterer does a fantastic job. So, can we give the Caner staff
020and everybody a great round of applause for all the I also heard that Miss Flare, Miss Flare, you stand up for me? This is the first time that she's running this event. So, can we It's been a great She's been doing a great job. And then I got escorted into the event by a wonderful freshman, Garrett. Garrett did a fantastic job reading. Everybody up here. I'm really thankful to be the superintendent in this district. As you go on, we have great things. We have great students. Uh we have great events like this. As you go on and you spend your long weekend, just take a time to take a step back and and and show some gratitude and show some thanks for and thanks for those that have uh given so much. So, thank you
021very much. Um, and have a great rest of your day. At this time, student council members will remember each of our graduates listed on our memorial monument in a special way. Each student will read a passage and present a flag in their honor. In memory of Michael Height, Michael enjoyed playing his guitar, but most of all, he enjoyed working on his mother's 1954 Red Ford converter. Michael graduated from WF Han Technical High School in June of 1965. Shortly after graduating, he enlisted in the Army Air Force. He married respart in May of 1966. While in Vietnam, Michael received several medals for rescue missions as a helicopter pilot the stock train of Vietnam. Michael was to be 21 years old. In May of 1967, went on one of these missions, he lost his wife. Michael wasn't
022only a helicopter pilot, a husband, and a mechanic. He was an American hero. The memory of Ray Frier. Ray was born on October 3rd, 1949. His given name was Ray after his father, but he was affectionately known to all as Courtley. He loved his country, fishing, hunting, and working on cars. Ray graduated from the auto mechanic program at Ker Tech. He always wanted to be a Marine with his father. After graduation at after graduation at age 17, Ray enlisted his parents' permission, something that was difficult for his parents to do in 1966 with Vietnam Ranger. Still, Ray followed in his father's footsteps and became Marine. Ray took his talent, his knowledge, and fixing cars to the Marines. He worked in the motor pool. Ray looked forward to finishing his military service and returning home. That
023never happened. On April 9th, 1968, at the age of 18, Ray died in combat in Vietnam. in memory of Roger Melson. Roger Melson graduated from Ker's machine tool program. He played basketball while a student at Kainer and he was an outstanding player. Roger was engaged to be married when he received his orders to report to North Carolina for training and then to Vietnam. Roger left for Vietnam looking forward to his discharge and his return home to his family and fiance. Before he was able to enjoy this, a jeep accident in Vietnam on September 3rd, 1962 ended his life and his dreams. In memory of John Schultz. John Schultz was born on July 15th, 1945 and he graduated from Canor Tech in 1963. After graduation, John was drafted into the army and sent to Vietnam as
024an infantry man. While in Vietnam, John earned the gallantry cross with the palm and the bronze star with a V front valor from the Vietnamese government. John also received a Purple Heart in Vietnam and obtained the rank of specialist. This well decorated veteran died in combat in Vietnam on November 13th, 1966 at the age of 21. In memory of Edward Ace Ace to play Gig and all he wanted to do was be United States Marine. Ace followed his dreams and joined her Marine after graduating from German Tech. Private first class Edward A. Flarity served his country proudly and made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. Edward and his father Edward Sr. in memory of Edward Grand Prix. Edward was born on May 3rd, 1949. He graduated from the auto mechanics department of Kert Techch in
025June of 1967. Edward's family fondly remembers him as always wearing grease because he loved working with cars and motors. Edward was a quiet person and remembered as being shy, but not when he went out with his friends. Those friends knew Miss Edward, whose funeral was held on January 15, 1969 after his casket arrived for home from Vietnam. In memory of Leonard J. Nardozi. After graduating from Ker Techch, Leonard went into the University of Connecticut. During his four years of college, Leonard was very active in the ROTC. Immediately after graduating from Yukon, Lendon left for basic training. Sadly, London contracted a fatal disease while serving his country. He is missed dearly. A memory of Ventha Coyote. Victor Coyote was born August 26, 1948. Victor graduated from Kan Tech Carpentry Department in June of 1968. As a
026youngster, Victor was an active member of many youth organizations and he won two belt karate. After graduation, Victor joined the United States Navy and he was intentionally sent to Great Lakes. When he left home, when he left home, neighborhood children lined up the streets to wave goodbye to him and wish him well. Victor entertained fellow sailors at the phase with magic and contracts. After Great Lakes, Victor continued his service to our country and was killed in a car accident returning from duty on November 1st, 1916. In memory of Anthony D. Augustino, Anthony Di Austinino graduated from the electrical department of Caner Tech in 2001. He was one of 16 US soldiers to die on November 2nd, 2003 when the CH47 tenner helicopter he was riding was shot down during battle in Iraq. Anthony was 20.
027He would have celebrated his 21st birthday four days later. Anthony Diagastina was a community communication specialist for the 16th signal brigade of Fort Hood, Texas. Anthony was known to his family and friends as a person who was always looking for ways to better himself. He was proud to be serving in Iraq and representing his country. He was looking forward to a military career. As a kind student, Anthony was hardworking and irresponsible. He grew into a brave, independent, and determined soldier who will always hold a special place in our hearts. Now, I would like to acknowledge our classmates who will serve our country. Bundo students who have committed to military service, please stand and remain standing after I call your name. Cassidy Bird, Air Force. Donna Abara, Air Force, Avery Fabian, Marines, and Alexandra Hopes, Air
028Force. Victor Moran, next year's student council president, will now read a very special poem written by Mr. Bernard Gooden. Mr. Mr. Gooden was Michael Kite's flying partner during the Vietnam War. Mr. Gooden was scheduled to fly with Michael Kite on the day of his fatal accident, but he did not go. Bernard Gooden wrote this poem in January of 1997 in memory of his partner and friend. This poem entitled The Door Gunner's Prayer interprets the mixed feelings of courage and fear that the soldiers witnessed as they bravely fought in the war. The soldier in the poem is about to face death in a far off land. Later, he must encounter the nightmare of this experience which will follow him throughout his life. I encourage you all to pay close attention to this poem in the soldier's
029message to all of us. Following the poem, members of the caner chorus will perform. This poem is dedicated to Michael A. Kite of Waterberry CT who lost his life in SOC training soft training Vietnam May 19th 1967. The door gunners prayer. Sitting harnessed to my seat my flight helion just south of Saigon. I pray before each flight. I would say a sudden prayer. I know I said a lot of them for the time I was there. I would close my eyes and pray at night. Sometimes I even cried. I saw my friend just yesterday. Today I learned he died. There was a lot of awful there was an awful lot of friends the Lord up there the Lord up there to call. If you had reason not to believe me, go down and read the
030wall. There were times I thought my time would come. I prayed I'd go to heaven and maybe join some friends of mine from that year 67. The soldiers who served in Vietnam, we know our heroes are along some. Most of the ones who lost or left were so very very young. The ones who sent us over there to play the savior's role. Which one of them was keeping track was his high death? It seems I go back to a lot of nights in my dreams. Why does the year last a lifetime? Or so it just seems to waken at night in a cold only sweat matching soldiers names and faces of those Vietnam vets. The soldiers have lost and hope went to heaven. Let the ones who come home say a prayer for them in
031this year 97. Amazing grace, how sweet the sun has saved the Fresh like me. I was lost, but now I'm was blind, but now I see. Was grace that my heart to fear and grace my fears. your precious gra when we years bright shining as the Oh to sing God's grace be The piece we're going to sing next is entitled I Believe. And the words to this song um were inscribed on the walls of concentration camps during the World War II. Um and they were uh preserved and now turned into this really beautiful song by a composer named Mark Miller. So we'll leave you um with our thoughts and some some hope. The words are I believe in the sun even when it is not shining and I believe in God even when he is
032silent. So here we go. I believe in the sun. Even the shining. I believe in the sun. Even when even the shine I believe in Even when I don't feel it, I Even when I don't feel I believe in love. I don't feel it. I believe in love. I even believe in God. I believe in God even when God is silent. Oh. Wow. Thank you, Kayner Chorus. Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to express my gratitude to all of our speakers and guests for attending today's ceremony. On behalf of the WF Kert Tech student body, I sincerely thank you all for your support. This concludes our ceremony. Thank you all for joining us here today. Teachers, please escort your seniors back to class. Invited guests, please join us in the Ker Culinary Arts dining room
033for refreshments. students will assist you in finding your way there. Thank you for joining us today.