This past week, my daughter who is a kindergarten teacher, asked me to attend a program at her school that was honoring veterans. I have been a Vietnam veteran for more than 43 year and have never been part of a program where I was honored for my service to our country. I had no idea what to expect. The program included four patriotic songs sung by a wonderful school chorus such as “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “God Bless America.” There were four excellent patriotic readings by students and a chance for each veteran to stand up and tell how they served. I was completely overwhelmed by the love and appreciation that was expressed to me—so much so that I broke down with tears of extreme joy. So, I would like to say “thank you” to the staff, faculty and students of Wood Elementary School for giving me one of the most memorable experiences of my life. From now on, whenever I reflect on the fact that I am a veteran, the program at your school on November 6, 2014 will be the visual that comes to mind.
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Ross,
That was quite an adventure we started on at Ft. Leonard Wood back in 1968! You ended up in Viet Nam and I ended up in Germany working with the Belgian Army as part of NATO. Now on Veterans day I exchange greetings to friends from back then and more recent friends who served in the military forces of Israeli, Sweden, UK, Netherlands, West and East Germany. Back then East Germany was our enemy, and one of my German friends who served his country back then jokingly refers to himself as “the enemy”.
I knew we had something in common besides a great interest in sales..
I am a U.S. Army veteran and spent 15 months in Viet Nam (Sept ’65 thru Nov ’66). I never felt welcomed back until April of 1985 when I visited the memorial in Washington, D.C. I wrote an article about that visit.
More recently I have been pleased to congregate with other veterans at the local American Legion. Legionaires here are regularly invited to speak at schools and it has always been rewarding.
Last, Thank you for your service,
a fan,
George Williams
Thank you for your service Ross. It is greatly appreciated by more people than you will ever realize.
What a terrific way to be honored. Tip of the cap to Wood Elementary for saluting those who protect, serve and ensure our Freedoms and Liberties that make our Nation such a great place!
Dear Mr. Reck,
I am so happy and grateful that you were able to attend our Wood School Veteran’s Day program. I am especially thrilled for a Viet Nam Veteran to feel our appreciation as I clearly remember the reception you received when you came back to the country you were serving. May I take it upon myself to apologize for the way you were treated then. I am glad we have a program like this at Wood to honor all Veterans who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. I am so glad you came and felt our gratitude after all these years.
I hope you are able to come back next year! Thank you for your service.
Chris Meister,
Teacher/Librarian
Wood School
Much time has passed since Bridgman High School. I am glad that they honored you .. especially a Bronze Star recipient. It seems very special that it was where your daughter teaches. I understand the emotion involved. I am unable to view the Memorial Wall without being overwhelmed by emotion. I was a playmate with Marsha when we visited Lorraine and Gene at there home in New Troy. Please say “hi” to her .. and I still remember the fun with the record player that had to be cranked. I am sure your daughter is very proud of you and loves you very much. I am so glad she arranged the ceremony participation by you. Have a great remaining Veterans Day. I hope this posts.. I flunked math.. 7 x ? = 14.
oops.. there = their should have spell checked
Ross, I would just like to add my thank-you to the others to express my appreciation for serving our country in that way. I have some good friends who served as missionaries in Vietnam during the time of the war. I got a different perspective when one of them went up to a Vietnam veteran on the street and thanked him for serving because that allowed the family to stay there and serve, help, and minister to the Vietnamese longer than they could have otherwise. God bless you for your service to God, our country, and the Vietnamese people!