Veterans Day speaker to Hermann students: "Are you proud to be an American?"

Young and old alike paused to remember the profound sacrifice offered up by American veterans and active military Wednesday morning during Hermann High School’s 10th annual Veterans Day breakfast and assembly.

A gym full of students, veterans, administration, staff, faculty and other guests remained silent as the Hermann Color Guard presented the colors. More than 100 veterans were in attendance as DECA presidents Laurel Thomas and Lauren Dudgeon welcomed them to the ceremony.

Gasconade County R-1 School Superintendent Chris Neale welcomed the group. “I continue to be touched by the character of this school… especially the way you honor veterans,” he said. He then called for a moment of silence to honor all fallen members of the U.S. military, including those killed in last week’s attacks at Fort Hood.

Neale told the students that entering military service was a profound decision because it represents a sacrifice of some personal freedom for the greater good. “Service is a small word that merits some contemplation,” Neale told them. He challenged each student to devote a portion of his or her life to service, whether in the military or some other venture.

DECA Vice President Sherise Coffey then introduced a performance by the Hermann High School Band honoring each branch of the armed forces by playing their traditional songs. DECA Public Relations Officer Lacey Lackman  read part of President Barack Obama’s Veterans Day address.

The day’s keynote speaker was James Ford, an educator who served in the U.S. Army. Ford comes from a military family—his wife, Judy Ford, was the first female commissioned as a second lieutenant at Lincoln University, his father was a WWII veteran and his son served a tour of duty in Iraq and will be deployed to Afghanistan this spring.

Ford called it a “privilege and honor” to speak in front of the group during his first visit to Hermann. Ford told the students two consider his two careers—both teaching and joining the military. “Being a soldier is great,” he said. “You get to see the world.” Ford also mentioned that his military service meant a free education at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Drawing on his experience as a teacher at Lebanon High School in Lebanon, Mo., Ford gave Hermann students two examples of how they could live their lives. First, he talked about Susie, a “hippie” with tattoos and facial piercings who refused to honor the country during the pledge of allegiance. He told the crowd that Susie was probably facing a life of employment in fast food, divorce and drug use. He told them there was no future in Susie’s path.

But then, he said, there were students like Tyler Brown, who came from economically challenged backgrounds but were determined to live productive lives. Ford said that on a trip to Washington, D.C., Brown volunteered to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and was inspired to join the U.S. Marine Corps. He is now serving in Iraq as a platoon leader, Ford said, and wrote a letter to his former teacher that validated his life.

Ford also read from lyrics to Lee Greenwood’s song, “Proud to Be an American.” Ford received a standing ovation after completing his speech.

DECA member Kaitlyn LaBoube presented a check for $140 raised by Hermann High students to benefit Missouri veterans.

Sgt. Shawn Miller spoke to represent active military personnel and said that he joined the military to protect the freedoms enjoyed by Americans. “When someone steps foot on our soil and blows up our buildings, I want to return the favor,” he said.

Shelby Winkelmann then led a ceremony honoring POWs and MIAs that featured a table for one that symbolized the lost soldiers’ plight. Daniel Neuner played taps to end the ceremony.