2 - November 18, 2011 | Hudson - Litchfield News Freedom is Not Free: Litchfield Middle School Students Honor Veterans


by Doug Robinson Students, teachers, faculty, and staff of Litchfield’s Middle School (LMS) honored area veterans, as well as all veterans during their Veterans Day Ceremony. The halls and walls of the Middle School illustrated pictures of


grandfathers, sons, fathers, brothers, dads, uncles, and even a “great- great-great-grandfather” who have served our country. Vietnam, Iraq, Korea, World War II, Afghanistan, and the Gulf War, Korea, Bosnia lists only a few of the areas of service for these Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, and Coast Guard Veterans. Thanks to the courtesy and diligent efforts of the Unified Arts team, a breakfast was hosted for all veterans in the library. Students were offered the opportunity to share a breakfast mean with someone they know who served in the military. Organizers commented that the breakfast, complete with eggs, fruit, muffins, bacon, toast, and juices, had “doubled over last year” and overflowed the library. A slide show played during breakfast honoring those soldiers whose pictures were displayed around the school. Once the American Flag was raised and the National Anthem


played, two students were selected to read their essay’s to the entire student body. “The American veteran is more than just a person,” began Nathan


Cooke. “Veterans are heroes because they are willing to lay down their lives to protect our country, our relatives, and our way of life.” LMS student Shelby Phillips wrote, “Veterans risked their lives to protect our country. These people kept our country safe. They are normal people just like you, but one thing that stands out above the rest is their courage.”


Russ and Nicole Snyder enjoy their Veteran’s Day Breakfast at LMS. The numbers “4483 and 1832” husbands, mothers, and dads “are


who gave their lives in Iraq,” began Lieutenant Joe. Lieutenant Joe has asked to remain anonymous for this story, as he presently serves our country within one of America’s elitist forces. He has asked that his picture not be taken nor his identity known. “He simply commented, “I am a humble guy.” “I always knew I wanted to serve my country,” continued Lt.


Joe. “I knew it when I was in Middle School. I was your age,” as he looked over the student body in excess of 500 students. “My grandfather served, my dad served, I want to serve. I can’t remember a time when I did not want to serve.” “Never forget. I understand what it is inside (war). The magnitude of that life is not like the video games and it is not like the movies. I am humbled to be a soldier like my grandfather and my father.


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embraces who and what we are. (Soldiers) are family men and are about strength and about what makes America great. Take a minute and enjoy your freedoms.” Concluding the ceremony, the eighth grade LMS band played the


“Marches of the Armed Forces.” During the song, members of each branch of the Armed Services stood and were recognized for their service to the United States. Following are Nathan Cooke’s and Shelby Phillips’ complete


essays: Veteran’s Day Essay


by Nathan Cooke The American veteran is more than just a person, they are a hero.


Veterans are heroes because they are willing to lay down their lives to protect our country, our relatives, and our way of life. The veteran is a source of pride, courage, honor and inspiration.


From the Revolutionary War to World War II and Modern Day Afghanistan, soldiers have fought and died in every war, so it is up to us to celebrate those who protect our freedom. Pride overcomes me whenever I think of any of these


extraordinary men or women and their feats. In fact, pride inundates me every day when I open my closet and see me grandfather’s old, OD green fatigue jacket. That jacket gives me hope just by looking at the Chevrons. Those Chevrons make me think anyone can do anything, just like my grandpa did. He started off as a lowly private and retired a Senior Master Sergeant. That is why we celebrate the veteran. We celebrate their accomplishments and their sacrifices. My dad, my grandpa, eight


Students and teachers stand at attention, eyes glued to the American flag, with their right hand over their hearts as they recite the Pledge of Allegiance


Area veterans sat in their VIP seats overlooking the entire school body during the LMS Veteran’s Day Ceremony.


uncles, a cousin, my great-grandpa and my great-great-grandpa have all served and sacrificed. They served amongst many men and women, some of whom will never get the right dedication. That’s why we are all gathered here today - to express our great thanks and hopefully, one day, that will be enough.


The American Veteran


by Shelby Phillips, Grade 6 Veterans risked their lives to protect our country. You never know


who is a veteran until they tell you. These people kept our country safe. They are normal people just like you, but one thing that stands out above the rest is their courage. They left their family, friends, and loved ones to protect us. Each day these people at war would hope to come back safely to see their home again. Sometimes they wouldn’t come back. We honor this day for them. Without these people we would not be safe right now. Veterans should be thanked. We do this by having a day called Veteran’s Day. It is to celebrate and thank all those who went to war for us to protect our freedom. Veterans are important and should not be neglected. Everyone should look at veterans with respect; they are our heroes.


Hudson’s American Legion Post 48 Honors Veterans


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By Doug Robinson Hudson’s American Legion Post 48 honored American veterans with prayer, traditional firing of rifles, and the laying of a wreath.


Since 1967, the


American Legion has been celebrating Veteran’s Day by gathering at the center of Veteran’s Bridge, which joins Hudson to Nashua. Standing at attention, the Chaplain reads a prayer, and then lays a wreath into the Merrimack River. As the wreath flows downstream, the order is given for the rifles to fire in honor of those who have served. The brief ceremony is concluded with taps being played on the bugle. The poem reads: “Almighty God, we are gathered here to honor our fallen dead. All who paid with their lives from one of the many devilish ways that man has contrived to maim or kill his fellow man; by bomb, bullet, shell, mine, fire, water, starvation, torture disease. Some of them rest here; others at the ocean floor, others still are but the scattered ashes of plummeting human torches. We beseech You to care of all those who have closed their eyes in these ways, on the shadows and foggy twilight that makes up this world, and in Your Mercy to enable them to open them on the full glory and warmth of You. For Your Name’s sake. Amen”


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Staff photos by Doug Robinson


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