The program for “Field of Heroes,” presented by the Student Government Association, included the playing of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” “America the Beautiful,” “The Navy Hymn,” “In Flanders Fields” and “The Noble and the Brave.”
Speakers during the hour-long event included Commander James Viola, an alumnus who left school 69 years ago to join the Navy and is now a World War II veteran and VFW commander.
Performers included Alden Etra of the Fort Lee High School Academy of Performing Arts, Harry Welte and the 150-student Fort Lee High School Marching Band and Joseph Picone and the Fort Lee High School Honors Choir.
Viola said that 47 men killed during World War II were among those honored by the flags planted during the beginning of a week-long tribute at the school.
“We never forget our roots,” Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich told the veterans in attendance. “You don’t ask for a ‘Thank you,’ but you deserve it.”
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