RETURN of a HERO
United States Marine Jeremy DeLaurentis
By Kelly Wolfgang
When Jeremy DeLaurentis graduated from St. Mary of the Lakes School of
Medford, NJ in 2001, he probably never envisioned himself returning to the
school as a hero. But on June 2nd, that is exactly what happened. A proud member
of the United States Marines, Corporal DeLaurentis was honored by an assembly
full of rejoicing family, friends, and children at his former grade school. In
commemoration of his safe return home from Iraq, the current students of St.
Mary of the Lakes School from grades kindergarten to eighth gathered to thank
the heroic marine for all that he had done in the 2nd Battalion Tango Battery to
protect our country.
Striving to create an institution where students grow spiritually,
intellectually, and emotionally, St. Mary of the Lakes School has cultivated
many successful students in their many years of education. Their honored soldier
is no exception. Jeremy DeLaurentis' return to his former grade school was a
special one. With images of his childhood friends, his early education, and the
many teachers and students that impacted his life, DeLaurentis was welcomed not
only by family and friends, but also by the warm memories of the years he spent
at St. Mary of the Lakes School.
Since his deployment, the students his former grade school have sent letters
to DeLaurentis and the other members of his battalion. "You have no idea how
pleased I am- it's a huge honor. Your letters and comments over the holidays
really meant a lot to me- family is what we miss most. They [battalion members]
wanted me to thank you for everything you did," Jeremy DeLaurentis said in
thanks to the school.
At the assembly, two children from each grade presented one final card to
DeLaurentis thanking him for serving our country and congratulating him on his
safe return. There were also a few special presentations, such as a dedication
to the armed forces written by 5th grade student Sam Wang entitled, "America's
Gifts". A particularly touching part of it read, "I am blessed to live in
America. The troops are willing to risk their lives to keep us safe. I am glad
to live in America because we have many people defending us, we have good
healthcare, and we all have equal rights." A poem by 8th grader Nick Fornito
read, "There's no place I'd rather be except this place where we are free." Many
students in the audience waved small American flags throughout the presentation,
the same that were hanging from the walls and read "God Bless America".
In addition to the many presentations from each class, the kindergarteners
sang a special tribute to DeLaurentis. Including parts of "Yankee Doodle Dandy"
and "You're a Grand ‘Ole Flag", the children's patriotic medley came complete
with waving American flags and a participating crowd. As only the members of a
close-knit school could, the whole auditorium also sang our national anthem and
a traditional prayer blessing for Jeremy DeLaurentis, the soldiers who have
returned home, and most of all, the soldiers still fighting to protect our
country.
It was evident that our country's soldiers were not the only ones being
honored at the St. Mary of the Lakes School assembly for Corporal Jeremy
DeLaurentis. Above all was the love of family and faith. As the honored marine's
mother was presented with a huge bouquet of flowers, Jeremy DeLaurentis said,
"Leaving family is the hardest thing you do while serving. Please go home and
hug your mom, your dad, your family. Tell them you love them." As the
students listened intently, it was obvious that every person in the auditorium
was affected by DeLaurentis' speech. With the warm faith of the Catholic
religion gracing the audience, many were awed by the obvious love between proud
mother and returning son.
The ceremony closed with a presentation of a video of faith and dedication,
one that was intended to shine light on what soldiers experience while fighting
overseas as well as promote the ideals of the Catholic faith and the philosophy
of the school. After many heartfelt images of our troops, one long-lasting
message appeared onscreen: "You're still there. We're still here. We support
you."
Kelly Wolfgang is a local freelance writer.
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