By Rachel Block
Arechaga - a Marine sergeant who was killed in Iraq last year - was honored by Plaza during a special ceremony at the school on May 25, where teachers, students and friends paid their respect to a former student who many said grew up to be a brave soldier.
The ceremony began in front of Plaza school, with a warm welcome from Plaza Principal Charlene Maniscalco. She led the students and guests in the Pledge of Allegiance, and later discussed the importance of honoring American soldiers, who she said put their lives on the line to help make the world a better place.
Arechaga is well remembered by the teachers he had as a student at Plaza. Arechaga was just a boy when he attended the school between 1989 and 1995. He later graduated from Oceanside High School, where he was active on his school's wrestling team and made the Honor Roll.
Arechaga married 19-year-old Felicia Lynn McKenzie, also a marine, on June 17, 2006. They met while they were stationed in North Carolina. Many said that Arechaga was very close with his family and was very dedicated to his work. He reached the honorable status of infantry sergeant in the 1st Battalion Sixth Marine Charlie Company, where he was in charge of a platoon.
At the ceremony, fourth graders Tatiana Hermes, Noel Smith and Caitlin Ennis greeted guests. Students lined the front of the school, and the ceremony also featured a performance by the Plaza school band, which played the "Star Spangled Banner," while all students and faculty paid their respect by singing "God Bless America."
Choosing May 25 - just days before Memorial Day - was a suitable time to remember Arechaga as both a student and Marine, Maniscalco said, adding that his loss is still felt by loved ones and friends. Plaza school arranged a beautiful outdoor setting for the ceremony, which, in addition to students and school staff, was attended by about 30 people, many of whom spoke about Arechaga's academic achievements and military service.
Linda Roslow, Arechaga's former 5th grade teacher, said that she met him in September of 1993, and explained how he came to school "with the biggest smile on his face."
"He grew up and joined the military, where he bravely served for four years, two times serving in Iraq," she said. "Due to his dedication to the marines, he was awarded the Purple Heart for his bravery."
Plaza also dedicated a memorial plaque to Arechaga, which Roslow said, "Will proudly remain in the halls of Plaza school." The plaque also has citations on it from Governor Eliot Spitzer and Nassau County Legislator Joe Scannell.
Some of Arechaga's family in Baldwin - including his sister, Sheyla Randazzo, and brother-in-law Russ - could not attend because they were attending a memorial service for him in Virginia. Kevin Randazzo, a close friend of the family, also spoke, providing a heart-felt speech about the influences Arechaga had on his and every American's lives. "You don't get to choose the good jobs from the bad ones," Randazzo said. "Julian is my hero and everybody's hero."
Randazzo followed with a brief moment of silence. He continued, repeating the strong words spoken by a military man on the day of Arechaga's funeral, saying that he was "killed in action" and concluded with the words "may God rest your soul."
Joyce Lenard, a representative for Senator Hillary Clinton, read a letter on her behalf, where she spoke of the significance of Memorial Day and the importance of honoring those men and women who sacrificed their lives for their country. Clinton wrote that Arechaga's "willingness to sacrifice himself reflects that he is a true leader," and commended Plaza for the plaque they commissioned.
Maniscalco concluded the ceremony by saying that Arechaga will be remembered each time a student or teacher passes the plaque, and that "he will forever be in our hearts." The ceremony ended with the band playing "The Marines Song," as the students marched back into the school.
