By: Genevieve Ilg

On November 10th, Bloomfield High's chapter of the Junior State of America (JSA) hosted a Veterans Appreciation Dinner. Close to $2,000 was raised during the event. About 45 veterans attended, as well as BHS' administration, local politicians, and other holders of office. VFW Post 711's Commander John Mooney helped with the arrangements, and noted that this was the first event of its kind in Essex County, NJ. On Veterans Day, Junior State marched in a local parade and took part in a ceremony.  The chapter also received attention from the local press as a result of the event. 

On December 11th, Junior State members and BHS' AP government class took a service trip to Washington, DC.  During their visit, they toured Congress and met with Congressman Pascrell (NJ-8) who spoke to them about upcoming votes. He answered all of the student's questions and provided great insight into the world of politics. 

From there, students went to the Holocaust museum and met with survivor Henry Greenbaum. His chilling account of the horrifying event will forever be engraved in the students’ memories. That night, members took a moonlight tour of the Monuments and paid respects to those honored at the war memorials.

The following day, students arrived at Arlington at approximately 8:30 am and placed wreaths on the tombstones along with thousands of others, as Congress passed this as a national day. Students paid their respects to the Eternal Flame and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Wreaths across America were featured on Fox news, CNN, and CBS Sunday Morning. Following Arlington, the group ate at Union Station, did a little shopping, and visited the Newseum, an interactive museum which examines how the media interacts with the 3 branches of government. It was here that students got to touch and examine the Berlin Wall, watch a 4-D film about journalism, as well as take advantage of many other exhibits.