From the entire class of West High School, 1950, we pause on Veterans Day to remember the four men from our class who gave their lives for all of us here in America.

Each war had many young men who left school or went into the service right after graduation. They did their duty and came back to make America what it is today, our class was no different. There were 56 men from our class who served during the Korean War.

To those family members who watched their loved ones go to war, they did their part at home and they made their contribution to the war effort. You gave your sons and daughters and made your sacrifices at home. We commend you all.

Words falls short, except that our class felt closely connected to the Korean War. When we got home, we realized that our class, like the classes of 1940, 1941, etc. experienced the same feeling. We fondly remember those four classmates who paid the supreme sacrifice: Anthony Edward Arezzo Jr., Donald A. Fabrize, Jacob Paul Leonello and Robert James Smith.

We share the grief of all families, from all the wars, men and women, who served and without any fanfare. After fighting for us, they picked up where they left off and made this country the greatest country the world has ever seen.

In his first speech to the world, Pope John Paul II said “Have no fear.” We should have no fear because we are all - first and foremost - Americans. Together, we will overcome whatever economic or other obstacles are placed in our way.

We join all of our brothers and sisters to pause and give honor on this Veterans Day for the living and the dead.

I will end this note with “God bless America,” but will also add this: “God has blessed America.”

Peter DeBellis

Auburn

DeBellis writes on behalf of West High School Class of 1950