On Friday, May 23, Benjamin N. Cardozo High School in Bayside hosted a historic Fleet Week celebration, highlighted by a Navy helicopter landing on the school’s football field—a first for any New York City public school. The event was the culmination of a four-year effort by the school to receive approval from the Department of Education.
Located at 57-00 223rd St., over 300 students from Cardozo, including members of the Navy Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (NJROTC), the school’s marching band, journalism students and Gateway Law program participants were in attendance.
“I really love seeing all the programs come together, said Riddhi Chahuan, the commanding officer of the high school’s NJROTC. “I love watching them always working hard- I see them practicing all the time as well as for our parade and memorials, so I think that practicing is really paying off right now.”
Members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and NYPD, school staff, local leaders, and elected officials from throughout the city, including Assembly Member Edward Braunstein, who spoke before the students at the start of the event, were also in attendance.
“We’re here to celebrate Fleet Week, so it’s our opportunity to show our appreciation for the armed services, particularly the Navy, the Marines, and the Coast Guard. I think that sometimes in our country we take our security and safety for granted, and it’s important that we remember that these men and women dedicate their lives to keeping us safe.”
Braunstein also paid tribute to those who served, whose lives were lost, by reminding those in attendance that the Monday holiday was about more than just attending BBQs and enjoying the unofficial start of summer, but showing gratitude to those who sacrificed their lives in honor of the country.
Cardozo High School Principal, Megan Colby, shared the sentiment in a touching statement to all in attendance. “Cardozo High School is extremely proud to have a naval JROTC program, and over the past few years, it’s grown exponentially,” said Principal Colby. “Memorial Day is a day of remembrance and gratitude for those who gave it all. As a school with an NJROTC program, we stand in our commitment to keeping their memories alive and continue our work so that their legacy inspires future generations.”
The excitement of the event came to a head when the Navy helicopter flew over the school’s football field in attendance had an opportunity to witness Naval officers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit as they descended from the helicopter via a fast rope demonstration. The event, which was long-awaited after years of trying to see it through, was exciting for all in attendance and kicked off Memorial Day weekend in exciting flair.
