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The so-called "forgotten war" was on the minds of the New Canaan High School community Wednesday morning. Students and staff took time out in the morning to salute nearly 60 Korean War veterans, including 81-year-old Bob Gaipa of Stamford, at a pre-Veterans Day ceremony in the auditorium. The special service fell on the 60th anniversary of the start of the Korean War, which continued until 1953.
New Canaan Schools Superintendent David Abbey said it was important to recognize the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our country. "We thank you for your sacrifice and service," Abbey said. "The truth is we can never thank you enough."
The ceremony featured songs by the school Madrigals; a short Korean War film made by students Kyle Conner, Cody Nader and Nick Zanca; and the playing of the Armed Forces themes by the school band. Members of the school's chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America gave the veterans gift bags, complete with copies of the student film. Several students visited with the veterans before returning to classes.
Jim Bach, 81, of New Canaan, enjoyed the ceremony. The 1947 New Canaan High graduate was a supply sergeant in the Army during the Korean War, stationed at Outpost Harry in the Iron Triangle. He remembers being there when the fighting finally stopped July 27, 1953. "It was 10 p.m. and everything went quiet," he said. "I had my first good night's sleep in months." Bach had his picture taken with freshman Tim Condon, 14, who said Bach's efforts were "amazing."
Gaipa, a member of the 8055th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital unit, said he was pleased to see students learn more about the conflict. "I think it's a wonderful thing (NCHS Principal Tony Pavia) is doing," Gaipa said, noting Pavia's work to honor veterans in the past. "It's a nice tribute."
Student David Luchs said young people should appreciate those who fought. "The South Koreans will never forget these extraordinary people and neither should we," he said.
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