Americanism teachers loved Veterans Day assembly

To the editor,

On Nov. 11, we were humbled and honored to be a part of a historic event. Hillsboro USD 410 Elementary School and staff held a special assembly honoring veterans and recognized Veterans Day.

The assembly began with uniformed Hillsboro Cub Scouts and their leaders as color-guards, presenting the American and Kansas flags and leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Veterans from Hillsboro American Legion Post 366 were introduced to the students. Veterans honored were Andy Krause, Harvey Ray, Mel Ratzlaff, Dick Carr, Pete Richert, and Don Dahl. Veteran Pete Klassen was in attendance in the audience. Principal Evan Yoder dressed in the Navy blues his father wore while in service of the U.S. Navy.

Don Dahl addressed the assembly in the uniform he wore as commodore in the U.S. Navy. The fourth- and fifth-graders wore their Americanism T-shirts showing and supporting their patriotism. How very proud we were to see all of those Americanism shirts.

Dahl explained that there are bullies in the world, just like sometimes there are bullies on the playground. Veterans are people who served in the military to protect people of the world and stop the bullies. Veterans also act as humanitarians and take care of citizens affected by wars.

The students also learned there are over 2,000 veterans, past and present, from Marion County. At the end of the assembly, each student received an American flag donated by the Hillsboro American Legion.

To our knowledge, this was the first time the Hillsboro Elementary School has had an event to honor our veterans, although our government has acknowledged Veterans Day with the closing of government offices for decades.

We thank from the bottom of our hearts, Mike Moran, Evan Yoder, all of the teachers, school Employees, Hillsboro Cub Scouts and leaders, Rod Just, and last but not least, our veterans.

All our veterans are heroes who deserve our respect and our gratitude, not just on Veterans Day, but every single day.

Patty Bartel and Sue Wadkins
Fourth-grade Americanism teachers