Gloucester City High students create Memorial Garden

Inspired by an idea from Principal Sean Gorman, the JRROTC students are creating the new Gloucester City High School Fallen Heroes Memorial Garden outside the main entrance to the school.

Also, they are getting to ready to participate as a Color Guard in the Gloucester City Memorial Day celebration Monday, May 31, at 11 a.m. at the War Memorial, Broadway and Monmouth Street.

“Sean Gorman saw a memorial at another school and approached me about doing it here before the pandemic began. COVID-19 slowed us down, but we have slowly been putting the pieces together,” said GHS Naval Science Instructor CPO Stephen LaBenski, USCG, retired.

“Everyone in the community is pitching in and helping,” LaBenski said. “Mr. Mike Barron from Barron’s Iron works in Gloucester City is the person who built the plaque stand and donated it to the garden.”

The plaques will list all the Gloucester City service members who died fighting for the United States since World War 1. Also, there will be five statues saluting the U.S. Flag. They represent the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard.

“Joseph A. Barron was Mike Barron’s uncle who had served in the Navy during World War 2 and lost his life during the war. He is one of many service people honored on the memorial plaque,” LaBenski said.

Eric’s Nursery of Haddonfield has already installed the brick walkway at cost, and the students are coordinating the garden’s creation.

LaBenski said the JROTC program instills “citizenship, a sense of self accomplishment, and teaches the kids about the military as a possible career.”

Freshman Jaclyn McDowell said, “It is a good idea honoring the veterans who died fighting four our freedom. My dad was in the U.S. Air Force, and he lost several friends.”

Freshman Joel Szychoski said, “My grandfather was a Marine, and by brother and uncle served in the Navy. Our family has been involved in a lot of military history in Gloucester City. The garden is another way to cherish that history in our town.”

Sophomore Andrew Pinto said, “Our plans were delayed by COVID-19, but we would keep meeting to keep the project going. It is important to honor all of these veterans who sacrificed themselves for our freedom.”

Junior Kevin Breckow said, “My dad and my uncle both served. I hope to join the U.S. Coast Guard. The garden is an important to remember those who have fallen.”