Veteran to students: a price was paid to defend nation

On his way to the gymnasium in East Penn Elementary on Friday afternoon, a flood of memories came rushing back to Justin Markell.

Markell, who served with the U.S. Marine Corps from 1996-2000, returned to the school where he roamed the halls as a child, now as the guest speaker for its Memorial Day program.

His message to the student body, which encompasses kindergarten through fourth grade, was to pause during the holiday to remember those who paid the ultimate price for freedom.

“We all have freedoms but there was a price that was paid by individuals who defended our nation,” Markell said. “Our nation does a great job of creating memorials like the Vietnam Wall or the Marine Corps War Memorial. But when I look at those monuments or visit our military cemeteries, I don’t see stone, I see the faces of those who have sacrificed their lives in the wars we have fought over the years.”

As a Marine Corps corporal, Markell spent time in the Mediterranean Sea, Persian Gulf and Adriatic Sea serving in the roles of platoon navigator, platoon radio operator, fire team leader, and squad leader over the course of his Marine Corps career. He ended his active duty in August of 2000, and received an honorable discharge for his service.

East Penn’s program also featured the history of Memorial Day from Noah Wentz, a flag presentation from first-grade students Alex Kish, Karli Cronic, Jaxson Markell and Jaelynn Hackman, a story about the American flag from Sienna Balint, a wreath presentation from Haven Baker, Megan Warnkin and Nolan Eckman, and a story on the true origin of taps from Bella Moyer.

Paige Frohnheiser gave the welcome, David Yarmosh read an opening statement, and Hamilton Traylor issued closing remarks.

Kindergarten students sang “This Land Is Your Land,” second-grade students sang “My Country, Tis of Thee,” third-grade students sang “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” fourth-grade sang a medley of anthems from branches of the Armed Forces and everyone sang “America the Beautiful.”

The Lehighton United Veterans Organization gave a rifle volley, while the Lehighton High School ensemble performed taps.

According to Markell, 5,799 Carbon County veterans died during America’s numerous wars and conflicts.

Going forward, he added, it is important to continue to hold ceremonies like the one Friday so that the memory of deceased veterans never fades.

“We must teach others about the sacrifices they have made,” Markell said. “If we treat Memorial Day with reverence and respect, others will follow. All of the good we do in the world today is because of the legacy given to us by those who sacrificed their lives in service.”