Peshtigo students appreciate the bravery, sacrifice and service of our veterans!
Appreciation was expressed to local veterans on Friday, November 11th, at Peshtigo Middle High School. The event started with a complimentary breakfast for veterans and was followed by an assembly to honor those who served. Members of Peshtigo High School’s Rho Kappa chapter planned and carried out the veterans day breakfast and assembly. Rho Kappa is a national honor society for juniors and seniors that recognizes excellence in the field of social studies.
“It’s important to acknowledge all of those who have sacrificed their self-interests for something larger than themselves.” Rho Kappa advisor and social studies teacher Luka Zischka elaborates, “My life is possible because so many have defended our nation’s freedoms and morals. Thank you, veterans, for serving others before yourself.”
Senior Rho Kappa members welcomed veterans into school and escorted them to the breakfast location. All of the students and staff joined community members in honoring the many veterans in attendance. The Peshtigo band and chorus performed beautifully. Senior Rho Kappa members Grant Bauman and Lauren Halfmann presented during the ceremony, along with guest speaker Eugene Frank.
“E Pluribus Unum, as stated on the dollar bill means out of many, one.” Bauman expressed gratitude for all of the Americans who have sacrificed for freedom for our country. “The selflessness of all of these veterans here today is unimaginable.” He spoke of the unrelenting bravery and character shown by veterans. “Even with spouses and children left behind, these men and women fought for the greater good for all of mankind”
Halfmann quoted reporter Elmer Davis’s statement, ‘‘This nation will only remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” She shared the example of the Women Airforce Service Pilots, also known as WASP. She talked about the women who flew during World War II, having flown a total of 60 million miles during the war. “In their eyes, did they see themselves doing what is right? Maybe that is all bravery is: people doing hard things because it’s the right choice, not because it’s easy.
The keynote speaker was Eugene Frank, who was introduced by his grandson, Maddox Levknecht. Frank shared about his experience during the Vietnam War and how it influenced his faith and changed his purpose in life. The message was very touching for all. Levknecht shared, “I am very thankful for my grandpa and what he has done and sacrificed for me! I can’t express my gratitude enough for him and what he went through to protect me and this country.”
Other members of Rho Kappa who didn’t speak during the ceremony celebrated the service of their loved ones too. “Every single person that has served and is serving in the military has made a huge contribution to America’s safety, freedom, and influence.” Junior Maysen Brissette’s grandfather, Ken Brissette, fought in Vietnam. “Without every one of those people and their sacrifices, this country would not be anywhere
near the point it’s today!”
Almost every student in Peshtigo can refer to a close family member who has served in the military or is currently. Many Rho Kappa students referred to parents, grandfathers, or aunts and uncles who have served our military. Senior Avery Kehoe also showed appreciation for her grand uncle who served in Vietnam. “My family didn’t know if he was going to come home or not. When he did, I was told, they hugged him for hours and hours.”
“Veterans Day is a chance to reflect on the sacrifices that our veterans made, suffering the horrors and tragedies of war for a country that doesn’t show as much appreciation as we should.” Senior Achal Gowda expresses gratitude to a friend, Ken Vieth, who also served in Vietnam. “Even though he is no longer with us, his perseverance, generosity, and kindness lives on. Let's keep our veterans in our hearts and in our thoughts, not just on November 11th, but on every day of the year.”