Students took an interactive journey through the evolution of American history and military technology from 1776 to the present day as the backfield at Walt Whitman High School was transformed into an educational showcase on May 22nd. To celebrate America’s 250th birthday and honor the Memorial Day weekend, the district held an Armed Forces and Semiquincentennial Celebration. The event invited various military branches, local veteran groups, and historical organizations to engage students through hands-on learning.  

Walt Whitman Principal Dr. John Murphy began his career as a social studies teacher and was inspired to bring this event to the school by his passion for history. “We forget that one of the first major battles of the American Revolution was on Long Island. And the history and significance of that is important because it was people on Long Island 250 years ago who stood up against tyranny and really started this wave of who we are and what we are today,” said Dr. Murphy.

Each participating organization set up a learning station that brought different eras of American history to life. Students from Walt Whitman High School, Stimson Middle School, Silas Wood Sixth Grade Center, Birchwood Intermediate School, and Maplewood Intermediate School watched presentations, took part in interactive demonstrations, and asked questions of the experts.

The Huntington Militia set up a Revolutionary War encampment that featured displays of the clothing, tools, and firearms used by 18th century soldiers, and live musket-firing demonstrations. Walking further into the showcase, students got up close with military vehicles from World War II provided by the Museum of American Armor in Old Bethpage, and they learned all about Long Island’s important connection to the history of aviation through exhibits brought in by the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City. Adding a deeply personal element to the day, members of the American Legion Greenlawn Post 1244 were on hand to hand out American flags and share firsthand stories of their military service.

Presenters, like Patrick Mantle, Commander of the Huntington Militia, were eager to bring the past to life for students. “History is not a multiple-choice question or even an essay. It's a story about people,” said Mantle. “When you put on the clothing, feel the weight of the pack on your back, smell the God-awful sulfur coming out from the gunpowder, you have the ‘aha’ moment: ‘This is what it was actually like.’ You can better empathize with what these soldiers had to go through. These are people who risked everything—their lives, their families, and their future—for the United States of America, and I think that's just absolutely inspiring.”

In addition to celebrating the past, the event gave students a hands-on look at the future of defense and technology. The U.S. Army and USMC mobile exhibit trailers captured attention, packed with the latest technology in gaming, virtual reality, STEM, weapons and aviation simulators. Fitness stations featuring chin-up bars, tire flips, and deadlifts also drew large crowds of students eager to test their mettle, with service members even challenging students to one-on-one pushup contests. Meanwhile, the U.S. Marine Corps Band provided a lively, jazzy accompaniment to the day’s activities, highlighting a different side of military service. 

“We want to give them an opportunity to see all that we do,” said USMC Captain Samuel Rodriguez. “When you talk about our history and how we came to be, you can see that we're a fully voluntary service; we're not forced to fight. It doesn't matter which branch—and we’re here alongside police officers, members of the FDNY, and veterans who have served quite some years. Just like educators in school, we can act as mentors, counselors, and big brothers and sisters to students who are interested in service. We're not trying to get them to just join; we're really trying to help guide them to the right path.”

Whitman junior Jason Wang, who already plans to pursue a military career, was thrilled to speak with active service members. “I want to go to West Point for college,” said Jason. “I have always had a vibe towards the military, especially when I was younger. Being here and seeing something like this motivates you. Even though I am not in the military yet, it makes me feel like, ‘I can do this.’" 

The district extends a huge thank you to all the coordinators, local museums, veterans, and branches of the Armed Forces who volunteered their time to make this unforgettable educational experience possible for our students. 

 

**Photo Gallery**

 

The U.S. Marine Corps Band brought energy to the event and captured the attention of attendees with their musical talents. 

 

Students of all ages tested their stength with guidance from members of the Army. 

 

Members of American Legion Greenlawn Post 1244 joined us to share firsthand accounts of their military experiences.

 

The exciting event included Huntington Militia Revolutionary War encampment with interactive displays and musket-firing demonstrations.

 

The U.S. Marine Corps mobile exhibit with VR gaming and simulators was popular amongst students.