A Meaningful Veterans Day

Celebration

To the Editor:

Today I attended a Veterans Day luncheon and assembly at Newtown High School. This is the second such event I have had the honor to attend.

As a veteran I was at first not at all happy to learn that the school board and administration had elected to hold class on Veterans Day. But after attending these events I think the concept is a great idea.

For those who haven’t gone to this event, it is a production that the students create and manage. The lunch is prepared and served by them, as is the music, lighting and video, and so much else. On top of that when we had lunch the students joined us — so this wasn’t just a bunch of old soldiers talking about the good old days! In fact, the menu of meatloaf, gravy, and mashed potatoes took all of us back to our service days. For many, that was before a meal like this was called “comfort food”; it was, when I went in the Army in 1968, basic military fare. Today, at my table it hit the spot and we all loved it!

I really enjoyed talking with the World War II vets. Too bad my father and father-in-law (both WWII vets) didn’t live long enough to see the recognition The Greatest Generation has received.

But I was equally impressed to see the number of students who attended the assembly. The students at my table asked great questions, and it was obvious that they wanted to understand what military service is all about and in particular service in war. The respect they afforded us was gratifying.

Thanks to the students, faculty, staff, and administration for a meaningful celebration of Veterans Day.

Yours truly,

RP Gottmeier

Col, USA (Ret)

13 Antler Pine Road, Sandy Hook                       November 11, 2011