Kaylee Lynch
Staff Writer
Before anything, I want to thank all of the Veterans who served our country. I had the incredible honor of joining some of the men from the American Legion on Veteran’s Day for an appreciation ceremony at our school.The choir performed the National Anthem which was beautiful and the Girl Scouts sung “This Land is Your Land.” It was a celebration and a thank you for all they have done. The Veteran’s took the time to share memorable stories of their life and time in the service which was fascinating to listen to. They are our heroes and the very heart of America.
What many people don’t realize is that Veteran’s Day dates back all the way to Nov. 11, 1919. Therefore it is now 100 years old! All around the United States people have come to visit memorials in New York City and Washington D.C. to pay their respects to all of those who have passed on fighting for our nation. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. stands as a symbol of bravery and recognition for the men and women who served and sacrificed their lives in the Vietnam War. To pay tribute, there is a beautiful black granite wall that holds 58,000 names for those who gave their lives or still remain missing. The wall reflects the sky and the sunshine where many of the soldiers are looking down at us, smiling at our country.
The New York Korean War Veterans Memorial was dedicated on June 25, 1991. The different statues represent the branches of the military: the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marines. In the center there is an incredible 15-foot statue that represents the “Universal Soldier.” This statue is a symbol for those who have served and sacrificed their lives and time in the Korean War. Visitors can look through the cutout and see the Statue of Liberty standing in the distance. Many of the men who came to visit our school, have gone to see these memorials many times.
Tom Spalter is a Veteran who I got ` the chance to meet last year. He was very happy to share more stories with me this time around. Right after high school, Tom went into the Army. He fought in the Vietnam War and and claims “I’m extremely lucky to be here, and to have my grandkids.” He told me about his time in the service and how one of the best things in his life are his grandchildren. One incredible thing about him is that he continues to ride his Harley Davidson motorcycle and still flies airplanes. His dad is living in Beverly Hills, California, and he is 111 years old! One thing Tom said that really stuck with me was, “This is the best thing, mixing Veterans with young kids, it’s the best thing there is.” He and I agreed how young people have so much to learn from the elderly and their grandparents, and to have these brave men before me was just very special. Tom was happy to share his wisdom with me and all of the students he spoke to in the social studies classes.
Another special person I got the chance to see with was my very own bus driver Mr. Bill. Mr. Bill proudly served in the Vietnam War. He was apart of the Navy and is a member of the American Legion. I also got the chance to talk with Mr. Demby and hear how the choices he made after high school affected him later in life. It was neat to hear all of the different choices the men made when they were our age, knowing that not everybody picks that path, but they did! Thank you to Bob, Tom Riley, and the many of you who came to celebrate this special day. It is not everyday you get to talk with true American heroes.
I think it is important to remember that we should give thanks to the veterans not only on November 11th, but to celebrate them everyday. They are the reason we are free they are the ones filled with knowledge and great stories. I am extremely grateful I took the time to listen to their life stories and learn more about where they come from. Thank you to all of the Veterans and the men and women in the service today. Your courage is something people of all ages look up to and speaking on behalf of the entire country, Happy Veteran’s Day.
