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Published Wednesday, November 11, 2009 in Education

Arnall Veterans Day program honors heroes

By Winston Skinner

The Newnan Times-Herald

"What's sitting before you, students, are heroes."

Dr. Jan Franks, principal at Arnall Middle School, opened the school's annual Veterans Day program with a reminder to the students -- sitting on bleachers on either side of the gymnasium -- to ponder the veterans seated in chairs on the gym floor. She told the students the veterans present represented "all the heroes who serve in the U. S. military."

The well-planned program included comments by two World War II veterans and an address by Col. Spencer Q. Artman, a Coweta County resident and father of an Arnall student who is stationed at Fort McPherson.

There also were spontaneous moments, however, including when veterans and students began to stand in response to the words "I proudly stand up" in the Arnall chorus's presentation of "Proud to Be an American."

There was an overall emphasis on heroes during the Tuesday morning event. "We want you to see who the real heroes are," Pamela Ridge, the teacher who organizes Arnall's annual tribute to veterans, told students. "Extraordinary people are just ordinary people who do the extra thing they're called to do."

The willingness of military people to perform whatever is required of them "without regard for hardship or sacrifice -- that's what makes the strength of America," Artman said.

He spoke of how -- since 1919 when Armistice Day, later Veterans Day, was established -- communities of all sizes across America have gathered to honor veterans. There have been parades, memorial gatherings and programs of many types "as a way of thanking veterans for their services to our nation," Artman said.

Artman said young people, when asked whom their heroes are, often name entertainers or sports figures. Those people often are talented and do great things with the money they make. They are not, however, heroes.

"We have confused celebrity or being famous with heroism," he said. He then gave examples of several soldiers who in recent years have placed their lives in jeopardy to protect others.

Cpl. Stephen C. Sanford received the Distinguished Service Cross, the nation's second highest military honor, when he continued trying to protect others while being shot three times in Mosul, Iraq. "Cpl. Sanford is an example of everything that is good and right about America," Artman said.

"We do not need to watch TV or read Sports Illustrated to find heroes," he said.

World War II veterans James B. Dockery and Frank Forth shared insights at the assembly. Forth said he was proud to be at the gathering "as a representative of an old soldier." The true heroes, he said, are those who gave their lives.

"I've heard the word hero used several times today, but I want you to know I am not a hero. I'm sure there are some heroes here among us, but I am not one of them," he said.

He spoke of those who lost their lives in war -- now resting beneath the soil of distant countries. "They fell by my side," Forth said, his voice thick with emotion. "I loved them like brothers."

"There are some of you here who will no doubt have to serve our country. The first thing I have to say to you is, stay in school. Don't drop out," Dockery said.

He spoke of the importance of education, emphasizing the need for knowledge in tough times. "We all know it's not as good a time as it has been," Dockery said.

He said there is particularly a need to know the nation's history and to understand the relevance of past events to the present.

He also reflected that -- with the exception of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks -- there has not been war on American soil in decades. "We do not want that to happen," he said.

"I love this country. It's number one," Dockery said. Forth urged his hearers to always treat the American flag with respect.

He spoke of the flag as "that beautiful thing that so many people have given their lives for." Forth added, "Only by the grace of God are we able to be here."

Ridge recognized veterans present by branch of service. Each veterans was asked to stand as Ridge called their names. As she got to the Marine Corps list, Ridge noted Tuesday was the 134th birthday of the corps.

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