MAMS Students Honor Their Veterans

Frank Biamonte, a safety officer at Merrick Avenue Middle School, remembered when he was drafted to Vietnam in 1968.

"I was drafted and I did what I had to do," he said. "The ones who volunteer to serve their county are the real heroes." 

Well, students and faculty at Merrick Avenue Middle School see Biamonte, who they affectionately call "Mr. B," as a hero and honored him as such.

Biamonte and Nancy Law, the school nurse, were both recognized for serving their county at a special ceremony at the school on Friday. 

Biamonte was a member of the Army and Law was in the Army Nurse Corp. Both have worked at the school for six years. 

During the presentation, Principal Dr. Meador Pratt told students the importance of Veterans Day. 

"It is a time to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country," he said. "This is more than just a day off from school."

Vincent Gabriele, member of the Merrick American Legion Post 1282, agreed.  

"You pass veterans in the street everyday," he said. "You don't know where they served, but we are always serving. We as veterans will not cease in letting people know the price that has been paid." 

At the end of the ceremony, Biamonte and Law were congratulated by students and staff.

"It feels wonderful," Law said, "It's an honor to be honored." 

Biamonte said that it feels great to be recognized and he spoke of those who are no longer here. 

"I was one of the lucky ones," he said. "The ones who never made it back and came back injured are the real heroes."