Major Chotkowski is a member of the Marine Corps Reserve and served in Iraq.

Beverly Hills Middle School in Upper Darby recently celebrated Memorial Day by hosting a program of patriotic music, recognition of faculty and staff who are veterans in the Armed Services, a color guard exhibition and an address from Major Alexander Chotkowski, attorney with MacElree Harvey.

Chotkowski served in Iraq and was honored to lead the 155 Marines of Support Company, which was part of Marine Wing Support Squadron 472, located out of Willow Grove. He shared with the nearly 3,000 students his experiences and observations, "After coming back from Iraq, I view Memorial day a little differently. While thanking and honoring our veterans for their sacrifices is important, that should not be the only thing that you do for this Memorial Day. Our Veterans fought not for the privilege of being thanked, but for the defense of America and what she boldly represents. We serve for the American way of life, the security of her borders and the prosperity of our children. Veterans fight, and often die, to preserve the future of America."

Chotkowki went on to encourage students, "The greatest gift that we can celebrate each and every Memorial Day is to celebrate the next generation of Americans, like yourselves, who will proudly one day serve and defend this great nation. So that, one day, hopefully soon, when the smoke clears, the dusts settles and the sound of taps fads into the distance - we can celebrate Peace."

Chotkowski served in Iraq in 2004-2005; he specializes in Civil and Commercial Litigation, Products Liability and Personal Injury law services.