West Hartford and other local graduating students attended a military inductee ceremony to celebrate their next step. 

By Roz Green

As some West Hartford students begin gathering their things to head off to college, others plan to embark on a different journey. On Tuesday, May 26, students who will be serving in the military after graduation or joining ROTC programs were celebrated during the Military Induction Ceremony hosted by the American Legion Hayes-Velhage Post 96.

The evening honored five students from Conard High School and Hall High School, as well as Newington High School. The West Hartford Town Hall Auditorium was filled with friends, family, veterans, and leaders from the West Hartford community, there to share their stories, love, and prayers to this new generation of service members. 

To begin the ceremony, the American Legion Honor Guard led the Posting of Colors, and the National Anthem was sung by a Hall High School Choralier student. Hugo Wattel of Hall High School then led the Pledge of Allegiance.

The invocation was given by Brendan Boyle, Post Chaplain American Legion Hayes-Velhage Post 96. He shared his love and support for all of the inductees in a heartwarming prayer. “May God look over you in times of danger, and may you have a safe return home with honor and peace,” said Boyle.

American Legion Hayes-Velhage Post 96 Post Commander Jim Caley provided opening remarks. He warmly welcomed guests and shared his thanks and appreciation for all those who attended in support for the inductees. 

Superintendent of West Hartford Public Schools, Paul Vicinus, then gave his opening remarks in a heartfelt speech. He shared how honored he was to be able to address the students and guests that evening, not only as a representative of West Hartford Public Schools, but as a longtime member of the service, standing before them in uniform. 

Vicinus acknowledged the impact of the decision these students are making, and stated that the willingness to accept the call to serve is admirable. “This ceremony recognizes the significance of your choice,” said Vicinus, “a commitment to something larger than yourself.” 

He also recognized the weight for responsibility that not only the students have on their shoulders, but the families of said students as well. “Spouses and children, friends and loved ones, who also serve in support of our military, our mission, and our freedom,” said Vicinus. “Military families also carry something from this nation. They carry worry, sacrifice, uncertainty, and separation. But, they also carry pride, patriotism, faith, and the quiet strength that sustains those who serve.”

In closing his speech, Vicinus gave a final thank you to the students and families, thanking the inductees for making the choice and answering the call. 

Cadet Zander Bos of the West Point Military Academy, who was celebrated at the very same ceremony a year ago, shared his reflections as a recent high school graduate. He shared some things that he wishes someone told him before he was inducted. He advised inductees to be the person that people look to, make relationships with the people around you, and to remember those around you looking to support you while you serve, family and friends. “I know that every single one of you will go on to do great things,” said Bos, as he finished his speech. 

Following Bos was a beautiful musical interlude performed by the Hall High School Choraliers, and then a dinner provided for all attendees. 

After guests were served dinner, keynote speaker, Conor Tracy, CPT (former USMC) addressed the inductees. Tracy also had been named grand marshal of West Hartford’s Memorial Day parade and spoke at the ceremony that past Monday. 

Tracy shared his personal experiences during his service, and also mentioned how jealous he was of all the inductees getting ready to serve, just like his dad was of him prior to his time of service, “He said, ‘there were very few people in this world that know,’” said Tracy, referring to knowing to answer the call to serve. 

Tracy also emphasized his pride and excitement for the inductees, stating the fact that they are lucky to have the opportunity and to have made the choice to make a change. “You are about to go do something, to change your life, or any other life,” said Tracy. He also reminded the inductees to call home whenever they get the chance, because their loved ones are waiting for them, wanting to hear from them. “They want to know how much your life is changing for the better,” Tracy said as he concluded his remarks. 

After Tracy stepped down from the podium, the honorees were recognized individually.

Jack Williams of Newington High School, who will be enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps, stated his reason for why he wanted to join the military. “The reason I want to go into the military is to push myself, be a team player, and find who I really am,” shared Williams after officially being inducted.

The closing remarks were given by LaToya Yagaloff, vice chair of the West Hartford Board of Education and a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. Yagaloff’s powerful speech ended the ceremony in an impactful way, as she urged inductees to never be afraid to call on the people closest to you.

“Let your brothers and sisters in uniform help you shake the dust off your feet and keep moving forward during the hard seasons of life,” said Yagaloff. She urged the inductees to stay disciplined, even when exhausted. She told the inductees to lean on those who are around you while you serve, as they will keep your head afloat. 

After congratulating the inductees, Boyle took the podium once more for the Benediction for a final prayer and blessing to all the inductees, as well as their friends and families supporting them. With all the prayers and words of love and encouragement given to them, the inductees now can go on to turn the page, beginning the next chapter of service.

The honorees are as follows: 

• Dylan Andrade, Newington High School: U.S. Coast Guard
• Skyla Martin, Hall High School: Air Force ROTC 
• Dane Peevy, Hall High School: U.S. Air Force
• Jack Williams, Newington High School: U.S. Marine Corps
• Hugo Wattel, Conard High School: Air Force ROTC 

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