Modified Veterans Day ceremonies urge students to learn about soldiers’ service and sacrifices

Speaking to a mostly online audience last Wednesday, Hampton-Dumont Superintendent Todd Lettow reflected on stories he was told as a child.

Stories such as his uncle’s service in Vietnam and his great uncle’s experience as a paratrooper, Lettow said, are why Veterans Day is an important holiday to not only those who served in the United States Military, but the friends and family members of those who battled at home and overseas.

“Students, today, if you can remember one thing, every single veteran has a story of the sacrifices that they have made,” he said during a modified Veterans Day ceremony at Hampton-Dumont-CAL High School. “Keep in mind when you’re reading history books that list the numbers of men and women who have served. Each one of those numbers has a story.

“Some of you have family members who have told stories of their service,” he added, “and if not, this would be a perfect time to ask if they have memories they would want to share…and then thank them for their service.”

Lettow, who served in the Naval Reserve for 10 years, said he too has a story from his service. His story, he said, is one of appreciation for those back home who worked to support his family while he was away. His story also includes gratitude for community members who wished him well in his service through decorations and assemblies in his honor. Those experiences, he said, showed him the importance of support for those who served, no matter the size of the gesture.

“I mention these memories of how my family felt and sacrificed…with the hopes of having you remember that each of those numbers you read about have a history,” he said. “You may see Veterans wearing their hats on the streets and their stories are filled with a sense of pride, honor, duty and joy and maybe pain or sorrow.”

Lettow’s address was part of a Veterans Day service at H-D that was streamed live on BulldogTV and broadcast on KLMJ/KQCR. Along with Lettow’s address was a performance of the “Star Spangled Banner”, “the Armed Forces Medley” and the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” by the H-D-CAL band. On the video stream was a scroll of area veterans and their branch of service.

CAL students also found a way to honor military veterans despite COVID-19 precautions. Veterans’ names were displayed on a Wall of Honor at the school and students in kindergarten through sixth grade performed two songs, “Thank You to Our Veterans” and “Because of You,” which were shared to CAL’s Facebook page.

Lettow said that while the current climate does not allow for large celebrations and public shows of gratitude, it doesn’t diminish the importance of Veterans Day.

“I want to thank you for honoring our veterans today even though it’s a little different this year,” he said. “God bless you and your families, God bless our veterans and our troops and God bless the United States of America.”