Loyalty Day

2-May-2018
  On Tuesday-1- May the Bogota VFW Post #5561 held its annual Loyalty  Day Ceremony.This is a day that is use to recognize the heritage of American Freedoms. In honour of this day the Bogota VFW awarded winners in their "Patriot's Pen" writing contest. This is open to Students in 6st to 8th grade.  The second award was the " Voice of Democracy" which is open to High School Students.  To begin the program Post Commander Alexander Hernandez asked all the Veterans in attendance to step forward and receive a gift from the VFW.  This was a pin of the  American flag  with the word  VETERAN inscribe  underneath it.  Each Veteran received the pin and a salute from  Commander Hernandez to thank then for their service to the Country.  Next Bogota Mayor Chris Kelemen spoke of what being loyal to the country means to him. He recalled his first day of school and learning how to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, along with being shown how to place his right hand over his heart. Then upon his graduation from Bogota High School he again placed his hand over his heart and lead the 1981 Graduating class of Bogota High School, this time as class President.  Mayor Kelemen also said as Mayor of his hometown he work daily to live up to the goals he learned of those many years ago.   Council Members Daniele Fede and Thomas Napolitano addressed the audience to  thank the Veterans for their service and congratulate the Student on their work on the contest.
   Then the winners on the essay contest were announced. For the "Patriot's Pen" the Studnets needed to write about " America's Gift to My Generation"  They wrote  about how America has given them an opportunity to obtain an education, met people of different backgrounds & views and to take advantage of the latest technology. The winners were Aron Ariz, Amanda Mendez, and Ivelisse Vargas form St. Joseph's School. And Simer Syeda Fatina from the Bogota High School.  " Voice of Democracy" theme was American History: "Our Hope for the Future" The winner was Natalie Hardwick form Bogota High School. Her essay talked about how the future of the United States is to learn and use the lessons from the past. From how the country can work together when needed, but to also remember the darker moments including slavery, and limiting the rights of others. She said learning from the mistakes of the past can guide the county into a better future. 
   Each winner received a check from the VFW and will have their essay moved forward  further contest. 

( To help  support Bogota Blog NJ with it's coverage of Local stories & sports

 please contribute  at: donate to Bogota Blog NJ )

( To help  support Bogota Blog NJ with it's coverage of Local stories & sports

 please contribute  at: donate to Bogota Blog NJ )