Heroes Visit Bethpage Schools

April 23 was a great day for heroes to visit and remember Bethpage Schools. The day started with a flag presentation at Bethpage High School. The family of Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Rhatigan of the United States Air Force presented a flag flown over Afghanistan to Bethpage High School. Lt. Col. Rhatigan graduated Bethpage High School in 1988 and was a school leader who went on to study at the Air Force Academy. Accepting the flag on behalf of Bethpage was Mr. Terry Clark, Signor Vincenzo Maio and Mr. John Franchi. Lt. Colonel Rhatigan's sister Ms. Kim Rhatigan-Drexler presented it along with the Guida family, close friends of the family. It was a special moment and the flag will be proudly displayed in Bethpage High School. Thanks to Lt. Colonel Rhatigan for being so kind to remember his high school. We cannot wait for him to return and visit us in person!

Next it was on to Central Blvd. where Lance Corporal Joey Fasano returned to his elementary school with his Marine buddies. For the past school year the students of CBS have been sending care packages over to Marine Fasano as a way of saying thanks for all his efforts. Lance Corporal Fasano said the items sent over were greatly appreciated by himself and his friends. 18 boxes of goods were sent over in a project run by Ms. Deasy, Mrs. Cohen and Ms.Hall. Lance Corporal Fasano and his unit returned to New York a couple of weeks ago and wanted to say thanks in person. An assembly was held for the entire school. There was red, white and blue everywhere as well as American flags made by the students. Mrs. McGrath led the school in several patriotic songs. Lance Corporal Fasano introduced his buddies and told the students how much they appreciated their kindness. Everyone thanked all the Marines for all they do in helping our nation stay safe.

Finally it was back to Bethpage High School where retired Tuskegee Airman Lieutenant Colonel spoke of his experiences as one of the very few black men permitted to fly airplanes for the United States Air Force during World War II. Now 92 years old, Mr. Watson told interesting stories of how he faced down discrimination before, during and after the war. He said he loved this country so much that he had to fight for it when it was under attack and was not discouraged when the government originally told him he could not fly a plane- he just tried harder to be a good person. Eventually the government did allow him and the Tuskegee Airmen to fly and they compiled a remarkable record of accomplishments and the entire group went on to receive the Congressional Gold Medal. Mr. Watson has been honored by Colin Powell, President Clinton and was invited to attend the inauguration of President Obama which was a special moment for him. We thank him for visiting and telling his story and we thank BHS student Josh Ganshaw for arranging the visit.

It was a special day for both Central Blvd. and Bethpage High School. It reminds us to thank all those who serve in our military services and who protect us on a daily basis. We owe them all a great deal.