The Marlboro High School varsity soccer team honored military veterans and first responders Saturday during its annual Salute to Service ceremony, held before the Dukes’ rivalry matchup against Highland.
The pregame ceremony featured remarks from Marlboro Schools Superintendent Michael Rydell and guest speaker Staff Sgt. Paul Daw, a Vietnam War veteran and retired New York Police Department officer.
“We came this evening for a soccer game, and it’s a soccer game between rivals. But that rivalry is only on the field. When it matters, we come together,” Rydell said. “And that embodies the theory and what we would expect of a community, and in this case, communities, as well as society and a country as a whole. And I think it’s a testament to each of those things, community, society, and country, is also how do we honor and respect those that serve both as first responders and in our military. And this speaks volumes about the Highland community and the Marlboro community, and it’s great that we get to do it together. And I thank the Highland team for not only being willing but wanting to be a part of such an event. “
Daw, who was raised on Long Island, joined the Army after graduating high school and served from July 1969 to May 1971. He was stationed in Vietnam as an 11-Bravo infantryman alongside colleagues from the 1st Cavalry Division’s Ranger Company A.
Following his honorable discharge, Daw received the Bronze Star with two oak leaf clusters, the Purple Heart with an oak leaf cluster, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Army Commendation Medal for valor and the Good Conduct Medal. He went on to serve 21½ years with the NYPD and also volunteered as a firefighter.
Addressing the crowd, Daw reflected on the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, recalling the bravery shown by first responders, military members and ordinary citizens in the aftermath.
“As a community, we gather to remember, to support one another,” Daw said. “To our prisoners of war and to those who have served and continue to serve our country, our communities — thank you. Thank you for your courage. Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for your dedication.”
Before Daw’s remarks, Rydell welcomed the crowd and introduced several people involved in organizing the event, including longtime coach Mr. Ventriglia and Frank Milazzo, chief of department for the Department of Environmental Protection Police. A DEP helicopter dropped the game ball onto the field, piloted in part by DEP Police Officer Andrew Schmidt, a 2023 Marlboro High School graduate and four-year member of the varsity boys soccer team.
The girls soccer captains — Oliveah Morales, Stella Delfini and Morgan Hagar — led the Pledge of Allegiance, and the Marlboro High School Chamber Choir performed the national anthem.
Following Daw’s speech, current and former members of the military and first responders were invited onto the field, including representatives of the U.S. Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Air Force, Army National Guard, NYPD and FDNY. Marlboro team captain Wyatt Piazza thanked the group on behalf of both soccer programs.
A moment of silence was observed for those who died in military service or as first responders, followed by a rendition of “Taps” performed by Marlboro graduate Robert Jackson.
Rydell closed the ceremony by thanking Ms. Piazza and her team for organizing the event.