Too Bad School Ignored Veterans

Mon., Nov. 23, 1998

Kadie Bell Shadle Park

November 11 was just another day.

A day to sleep in and then go with your friends to the latest Adam Sandler movie.

“I don’t know why I’m not sitting in my molecular biology class right now” probably crossed the minds of few students.

The Shadle Park High School staff made no public recognition of Veteran’s Day though they did find time to overpack the cramped auditorium to congratulate the volleyball team proceeding to the state competition.

There could have been, at a minimum, a moment of silence over the intercom or the teachers could have been asked to speak briefly why we were receiving one more day to complete our homework.

It’s because of all the soldiers who contribute to our freedom, the establishment of our country, history and national security, which is a major part of our high school curriculum. We are required by law to spend an ample amount of time investigating the effects of war and its contributions to modern society though we don’t formally recognize those who made this curriculum a necessity.

Even in history class, where we were learning about the soldiers of World War I, there was no recognition of the national holiday to honor all of the brave souls.

I, for some reason, thought that school was a place you go to get an education and that should come before lots of cheers and clapping. After all, one day earlier families and friends packed Arlington National Cemetery and mourned the death of loved ones.

Too few of us realize that Nov. 11 is much more than an early Thanksgiving vacation.

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