BRIDGEWATER – The sacrifices made by service members and their families were recently honored during the 19th Annual Proud to Be an American Day organized by Somerset County Vocational and Technical High School (SCVTHS) Social Studies teacher Ed Graf and his students. The event was held at Washington School Park in Raritan on May 21, 2026.
The focus of Proud to Be an American Day is honoring the Gold Star Families whose service members have paid the ultimate price in defense of our nation. This year, students prepared and delivered speeches honoring each of the fifteen Gold Star families in attendance. Each family was also presented with a memorial wreath and bouquets of flowers.
Two service members, United States Army Staff Sergeant John W. Perry and U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin L. Sebban were singled out for honors at the event. Staff Sergeant Perry, of Stockton, California, was killed in action on November 12, 2016. He was the victim of a suicide bomb attack at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. Just before the explosion, he warned fellow soldiers and, though he did not survive, he is credited with saving many lives. He was posthumously promoted from Sergeant to Staff Sergeant and awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart Medal.
SFC Sebban, of South Amboy, NJ, a combat medic, was killed in action in Baqubah, Iraq, on March 17, 2007. Realizing a truck of explosives was headed towards his combat outpost he warned his fellow soldiers and then attempted to stop the truck. Despite being seriously wounded, he made his way to the aid station and provided what assistance he could until he died. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart for his extraordinary heroism.
Throughout the day, attendees heard from a variety of dignitaries who all acknowledged the debt owed to the men and women who serve and have served in the armed forces. The keynote speaker for the day was Somerset County Commissioner Director Shanel Y. Robinson. Other speakers included Raritan Borough Mayor Don Tozzi, New Jersey State Police Lieutenant Colonel David Sierotowicz, and SCVTHS alumni USMC Corporal Edward Cunningham and US Army Captain Robert Bender.
Besides the speakers, guests were treated to performances of patriotic songs by the American Bombshells singers, as well as a rendition of “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes and the traditional playing of “Taps” by a bugler. A variety of military vehicles was on display, and the highlight of the day was the landing by two United States military helicopters in the park. The sounds of a rifle salute, performed by members of the American Legion, and a fusillade from a trio of Civil War cannons, punctuated the proceedings.
Two SCVTHS students, Delilah Bergman of Hillsborough and Francesca Boian of Manville were also honored as the recipients of the Washington Campground Association Scholarship.
“My gratitude for being part of this program is more than I can put into words,” said Ms. Boian. “It is much more than an ordinary experience. I am grateful for everything I have learned from Mr. Graf over the years, both in his history class and beyond the classroom.”
Mr. Graf summed up the day by saying, “We’re glad that we can continue to honor the sacrifices of the Gold Star families, veterans, and service members. Our students have done a great job making sure that people remember what our service men and women, and their families, go through so we are able to enjoy our freedom.”
All funding for this annual event comes from donations and from the efforts of SCVTHS students.
67° and Clear