On Oct. 15 Pulaski Street Elementary School hosted the 17th Annual PFC Garfield M. Langhorn Essay Contest and Memorial Ceremony, honoring the heroism of the past Pulaski Street student and Riverhead graduate who received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroic actions which lead to his death during the Vietnam War.
As part of the ceremony, the district welcomed a number of distinguished guests including United States Army veteran and Riverhead graduate Evelyn Hobson, Town Councilwoman Catherine Kent, Chris McCoster representing Congressman Lee Zeldin and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Augustine E. Tornatore, who shared opening remarks highlighting the importance of remembering PFC Langhorn’s sacrifice for his fellow soldiers and country. Music teacher Trevor Hewitt shared a biographical essay on the life of PFC Langhorn and the vice president of the Vietnam Veterans Association, Suffolk County Chapter, delivered the keynote speech.
During the ceremony, the winners of the annual essay contest were announced and recognized for their outstanding work. This year’s winners were Sage Jones, Mae Kreiger and Maddy Zambriski.
“Pulaski Street School is honored to have had PFC Garfield M. Langhorn remembered and honored for the 17th year,” said building principal Patrick K. Burke. “Last year we unofficially declared the third Friday of October to be the Garfield M. Langhorn Remembrance Day. Our hope is that this will one day become an official proclamation adopted by the Town of Riverhead and Riverhead Central School District, where the legacy of PFC Garfield M. Langhorn will be honored in each of our buildings.”