On May 21, 2026, Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School (SCVTHS) held their 19th “PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN DAY” event at the Washington School Park in Raritan, NJ. Mr. Edward Graf, History Teacher, with the assistance of his students organized and raised funds for the event. Donors who helped to underwrite event costs received special recognition.
The event celebrated the selfless service of our armed forces, police officers, fire fighters and first responders. The Guest of Honor, Shanel Robinson, Commissioner Director, Somerset County, NJ also U.S Air Force Veteran; the Mayor of Raritan Borough, Don Tozzi; other local officials, and leaders of local Military Veteran Service Organizations were part of the roster of speakers. However, the main focus was honoring and remembering our country’s heroes that made the ultimate sacrifice and their families. Fifteen Gold Star mothers, five spouses and other Gold Star family members were in attendance. Gold Star Mother Maryland Chapter member Mrs. Janice Chance,1st VP and Chaplain, and her husband Gold Star Stepfather were among the honorees. Mr. Graf asked Mrs. Chance to speak about the American Gold Star Mothers Organization Inc, “What Memorial Day means to her,” and about her son Captain Jesse Melton III USMC who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in Afghanistan on 9/9/2008. After Mrs. Chance’s message the mothers and their family members were asked to stand as they were honored along with their hero. The students of Washington School Park honored the families with a banner that included their heroes’ pictures, rank, and branch of service, a canon salute, as well as presenting the mothers with a floral bouquet. The “American Bombshells” singers sang patriotic songs at different junctures during the program which enhanced the excitement. After the program, the students served catered Italian food. Approximately 300 people were in attendance despite the rain. Thankfully, the program was staged in a large tent and there were also tents for food serving and dining.
