Tailoring much of his speech towards the largest demographic in the new gym on Monday morning, Cleveland Veterans Day program honorary speaker Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Sanganoo had a specific message for each of three student age groups.
A member of the Army National Guard, Sanganoo prefaced his advice by explaining the importance of veterans.
“Some of these veterans experience physical, mental, emotional and spiritual scares. And for some, they last a lifetime. Despite these struggles, we choose to serve and become a veteran because we would rather be in pain all the time so that our children and their children can live in peace.”
He said that we must do more than acknowledge Veterans once a year.
“We must do something about it through our actions. I think that to honor our veterans. we should carry out our lives in a manner that says ‘we earned it.’ We earned their sacrifices. For me, that means being the best human being you can be, because somebody gave up their tomorrow for you today.”
For students in grades kindergarten through five, Sanganoo said being a good human being begins at home.
“Start by thanking your parents for being there for you and being your biggest fan. When you go home today, hang up your coat. Put your plate away after dinner and put your clothes in the hamper instead of laying them on the floor. Do not leave home without giving your parents a hug or a kiss and do it again when you get home. You see, your parents need your love and support just as much as you need theirs.”
For students in grades six through eight, living a life that honors veterans extends into the school, he said.
“Start by thanking your teachers for instilling in you the spirit to learn, for imparting their knowledge onto you that will help you transform your life and help you reach your goals. But before you reach your goals, you will have to do your homework. You will have to turn it in on time. Put away the cell phones at the dinner table or the lunch table, and really spend time with your family and your friends…Cell phones bring you closer to people who are far away, but they also take you far away from the ones who really care.
Sanganoo said freshmen through seniors can honor veterans by serving others and keeping informed.
“If you have elderly neighbors or others around you who need your help, shovel their driveway, or come this spring and this summer, move their grass or rake their lawns. It will mean more to them than you will ever know. If you have grandparents who live close by or in a nursing home, be intentional about visiting them. Your grandparents made sacrifices for you and for your parents. Show your appreciation. Additionally, read about our nation’s history. You see, history, when applied correctly, helps you make informed judgments and make informed decisions. It helps you see where you’ve been and where you are going. The person you will be in five years will largely depend upon the people you hang around with, the books you read, the habits you adopt and the conversations you engage in.”
Diane Traxler introduced Voice of Democracy speaker Carter Kern. Kern took first place among the competitors (all in grade nine through 12) in the Le Center area and earned $200 from the Le Center VFW. His recorded essay will go on to the district level competition.
“It is very important we hear the voice of our youth,” Traxler said, “and we have an excellent representative here.”
In his speech, “Is America Today our Forefathers Vison?” the junior delved into the Continental Congress, the nation’s legislative body during and after the time our nation declared its independence.
The Continental Congress had little power because it had no way to collect taxes, and the 13 colonies couldn’t agree on much of anything, Kern said. But the nation’s founders understood the need for a change, and with that, they designed a governing system that could adapt through the generations.
“Some were passionate about (change), and others were drawn away from it at the first sign of looking crazy,” Kern said. “So, to answer the question ‘Is America Today Our Forefathers Vision?’ No, I don’t believe it is. I think it’s something even greater. I think that today, people are fully allowed to advocate for what they want, to speak their minds, and to speak truth to powerful people. James Madison, one of the most influential founding fathers said it best: ‘In framing a system which we wish to last for ages, we should not lose sight of the changes that ages will produce.’”
Also at the program, elementary students Kali Pribyl (grade 4), Brooklyn Berg (grade 5) and Jacquelyn Heldberg (grade 6) read their selected Veterans Day essays.
“You are very brave to stand up and be the one to say, ‘I will make the world a better place,’ and people thank you, and you are our heroes,” Pribyl said.
“Everything that these soldiers have put into being into the military is so much bravery: all the dedication that they’ve put in, and all the sacrifices made for us,” Berg said. “It means a lot to our life and our country. Everything that veterans do for us keeps not only our country safe but us safe too.”
“The biggest sacrifices veterans have made for their country didn’t just happen on the battlefield,” Heldberg said. “They happen quietly, without people knowing and without recognition. They happen in small homes and living rooms with only those left behind as witnesses….Our honor, our liberty, our livelihood lies with them.”
Legion member Andy Queen presented the speakers with participation certificates.
Also at the ceremony, principal Scott Lusk introduced the program.
“Today it is our privilege to honor and say ‘thank you’ to all of America's veterans, to let them know that we appreciate them for their service and honor them for their sacrifices. The price of their freedom is high. We cannot afford to forget those willing to pay it.”
Senior class president Ariel Murphy led the Pledge of Allegiance, and junior class president Vivian Hilfer welcomed the audience.
As Student Council President, Kern also presented President Joe Biden’s Veteran’s Day proclamation. Murphy gave the closing remarks.
The Cleveland American Legion/Legion Auxiliary/Sons of the American Legion Color guard posted and retired the colors while the Firing Squad fired the salute during a moment of silence. Senior Jackson Bowen played taps after.
Under the direction of Erik Hermanson, the 11-12 Concert Band provided music, including “Call to Valor,” the “Star Spangled Banner” and “Armed Forces on Parade.”
Above: Carter Kern at the podium with the color guard in the background: Jim Beckel, Sue Eppmeyer, Annie Hiller, Judy Hahn, Sandy Seitz, Lynn Kluntz, Becky Michels and Erik Hanson.
