Rocky Point High School held its annual Veterans Day program on Friday, bringing generations of service members and students together for a moving tribute organized by history teacher and veteran Rich Acritelli.
“This program has become a real tradition for us,” said Acritelli, who has organized the event throughout his 23 years at the school. “The kids get to meet veterans, hear their stories, and understand the sacrifices made for the freedoms they enjoy today.”
The event featured Suffolk Legislator Chad Lennon, a Marine Corps veteran who shared his experiences with PTSD and his annual walk from Orient Point to Hauppauge to raise awareness for veterans’ mental health. Frank Lombardi, the new VFW Post 6249 commander and a former Army Ranger, appeared dressed as a World War II paratrooper while recounting his service during the Battle of Mogadishu—the mission dramatized in the movie Black Hawk Down.
Students also met members of the Suffolk County Chapter of Vietnam Veterans, including Rich Kitson, who joined a “History vs. Hollywood” discussion of the film Forrest Gump, comparing scenes with their real combat experiences. “Hearing those Vietnam vets talk about what they lived through was powerful,” Acritelli noted.
The school’s band and choir performed patriotic selections, while Suffolk Police bagpipers and student musicians played Taps to close the ceremony. Senior Benjamin Israel and guidance counselor Michael Conlon performed a musical tribute to veterans battling PTSD.
“This is about keeping history alive,” Acritelli said. “These men and women wore the uniform, and our students now carry forward their stories.”
Acritelli, a Wading River resident and Staff Sergeant in the Army Reserves and New York Air National Guard, curates the Suffolk County Military Museum, writes the South Shore Press “History Lessons” column, and hosts The Fog of War and Humanity podcast, now on its 80th episode.