Veterans share stories of their service to middle school students

Posted By: Alden German
agerman@klkntv.com

Over hundreds of years, countless Americans have made sacrifices for the sake of our country. Today, some of our country’s more historically recent veterans took the time to share their experiences with students at Lux Middle School.

For many of the students, the work and sacrifice of some of our nation’s bravest is eye-opening, and that’s what’s most interesting.

“Honestly just what it’s like for the veterans. I think you think more about wars and stuff like that and you don’t really think about what they go through,” said Drew Arduser, an eighth grade student at Lux.

For the veterans, being able to share their stories not only reminds them of their glory days, but also educates our young citizens of what others have done so they can enjoy the liberties they have.

One of those is Art Hillman, a former Navy sailor who served towards the end of World War II.

“I think it makes the young people aware that we have a great country and that there are citizens willing to serve and defend the liberties that we have in this great country,” said Hillman.

Dozens of veterans from the Air Force, Army, Marines, and other branches of the armed forces spoke to several groups of students.
For those at Lux Middle School, hearing the tales of bravery and sacrifice has given them a greater appreciation for those who served.

“Every day, every morning we say the pledge, but I don’t think it really registers how much sacrifice that people have given just so that we can do that every morning,” said Hannah Robb, an eighth grader at Lux. “We sometimes take our freedom for granted.”

This has been a tradition at Lux for 18 years. Some veterans are related to students at Lux, while others are simply members of the community wanting to participate and share their story.