|
|
|
Vets for Freedom event fuels comments |
|
|
|
Wednesday, 02 April 2008 |
Humbled
I attended the Vets for Freedom program on March 25. The program was introduced by 1999 Forest Lake grad Pete Hegseth who served in Iraq in 2005-2006. He is an outstanding young man who gives hope for the future of America to old-timers like myself.
I found the presentations by the four Iraq veterans inspirational and informative. At no time was war politicized. There was no solicitation to enlist to the more than 25 high school students, nor was the war glorified. One vet told of the sadness of attending the funerals of fallen comrades. Another said there is no Republican or Democrat information on dog tags.
The message was that the efforts of our soldiers are working and the water and electricity is back on and a degree of normalcy is returning and there is hope for the future of Iraq.
My reaction to the school’s canceling the program was one of sadness. Are we setting the stage where pressure groups can dictate what can be taught in our schools? I feel the principal, superintendent and school board should be making these decisions. Pressure groups threatening our schools should not be deciding the agenda.
I came away from the Vets for Freedom program feeling humbled by the sacrifices of these Iraq veterans and proud to be an American.
The program was appropriately closed with the singing of “God Bless America.”
Howard Anderson
Columbus
School was right
As a retired Forest Lake school teacher and a veteran of two wars, I would like to comment on the wonderful support our veterans have received through the years. In my 37 years in Forest Lake, I have seen and experienced nothing but total support for our veterans, both by the school district and our community. We can be very proud of that fact.
Every year numerous veterans have been invited to our schools, both elementary through secondary, to speak about patriotism and their military experiences. Always welcomed in our schools are the honor guards from our veterans’ organizations who speak on patriotism, donate American flags and patriotic information to our students.
Our school district employs many veterans and each year honors the military veteran teachers and staff.
Our school bands and choirs support numerous events for our veterans, both in our community and outside our community.
I have met twice with Dr. Steve Massey, our Forest Lake Senior High School principal over the “Vets for Freedom” issue along with many teachers, staff members and students. I am convinced after reviewing the FACTS, that the right decision was made to cancel the Vets for Freedom event at the high school on March 25.
Most importantly, this decision was made to keep our students safe when there was a perceived or potential safety issue. When student safety and the educational process is threatened to be disrupted or jeopardized, hard decisions must be made.
I feel that any rational person with all the facts would have made the same decision that Dr. Massey made and that was to cancel the event. Having reviewed the facts surrounding this issue, I have to support the school district’s decision.
Col. Jim Noll (Army, retired)
Forest Lake
(EDITOR’S NOTE: The writer lives in Forest Lake. He spent 31 years in the Army. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam where he received the Silver Star and two Purple Hearts. He also served during the First Gulf War and was the highest ranking Minnesotan to be deployed to the war as a lieutenant colonel.)
Apology owned
Thank God for the patriotism of those who actually believe in this great country. To all who showed up at the American Legion to hear the Vets for Freedom individuals speak, thank you. I’m very proud I live in a community that will stand behind its veterans and drop everything to support them. From the point in time that I received the phone call Monday evening about the school’s cancellation of the Vets for Freedom tour at the high school, I was impressed by all those who scrambled to move the venue to the American Legion, the students who were committed to get passes and not miss the event and by the public that was committed to take the time off work to attend.
I’m actually glad it happened. It provided me a great opportunity to listen to some real facts and information regarding our status in Iraq from some real individuals who know. Yes, I’m disappointed in the school’s position. They turned off the right to freedom of speech by bowing down to those cowards and left wing liberals who only seem to think that the right to freedom of speech is only for them.
They need to wake up and understand that these highly decorated, highly dedicated, brave and loyal role models are the only reason they have that right. I can think of no better role model to have in a classroom setting. I don’t think dedication, honor and loyalty are bad virtues. Yes it was embarrassing, however thanks to the support of our veterans’ organizations, and with absolutely no help from the school, the tour was successfully relocated to a better venue and opened to the public.
Did it impact the school? No, they will continue in the same naive fashion based on a leadership that grew up during the Vietnam era and was committed to the “Hell No, we won’t go” attitude while hiding in Canada or protesting on campuses bashing the same military while the noble and brave were fighting to preserve freedom in a country where the teachers were being murdered daily.
A very important message was missed by those that didn’t attend. Too bad nobody from the high school administration was there to hear any of it.
I believe the high school leadership owes the community an apology, not an excuse.
Lee Goodyear
Forest Lake
Patriotism alive
In light of all of the bad press Forest Lake High School has received, I thought it might be uplifting to hear about a positive experience.
Columbus Elementary accepted an invitation to have the Forest Lake Lions sponsor Liberty Day on March 27.
Liberty Day is a celebration originated by Colorado Lions to call attention to the Declaration of Independence and the U. S. Constitution. Events are scheduled statewide with the cooperation of Lions on the local and district level, elected government representatives and school superintendents and teachers.
The Lions are making sure that the basic liberties ensured by America’s founding documents are not forgotten.
Columbus students experienced Liberty Day with the presentation of colors by the Forest Lake American Legion 225 Color Guard. They listened attentively as US Army Reservist and former FLHS teacher and coach Bob Dettmer talked about the freedom we have in the United States. He reminded them that we should never forget the sacrifices that were made so we may continue to enjoy those freedoms today.
Fifth-graders took part in the ceremony by leading the Pledge of Allegiance, reciting the Preamble of the Constitution, as well as hearing one of their own, Noel Vierra, sing America the Beautiful. The day ended with the Raptor Center introducing bald eagle, Gladdy, and taking questions about our country’s national symbol.
Thank you to the Forest Lake Lions, Post 225, and State Rep. Dettmer for sharing with our children. Patriotism in Columbus Elementary is very much alive and well. Thank you to all area veterans. You are not forgotten!
David and Weslie Gray
Wyoming
Foster Patriotism
FLHS Principal Steve Massey abruptly canceled the planned stop by Vets for Freedom which was scheduled March 25. According to the Star Tribune, Massey said “the decision to cancel was prompted by concerns that the event was becoming political rather than educational and therefore was not suitable for a public school.”
What the heck is going on here? It is “inappropriate” for a group of decorated veterans to speak to our high school kids? If you are afraid of a lack of balance, invite a group of decorated vets against the war (if there is one). Let the students make up their minds. That is education. By banning the Vets for Freedom, you run the risk of confirming that which many believe — that you are in the business of indoctrinating.
Personally, I think it is the duty of the public school to foster patriotism and the love of country. It is freedom, protected by soldiers, that affords us the opportunity to debate these issues.
Many of us would level that charge that the education system has been force feeding our children a diet of anti-Americanism. All I ask is you prove this notion wrong. Bipartisan or nonpartisan...the focus should be on getting the whole story and most importantly, educating children.
It is issues like this which cause the school funding levees to fail.
I encourage everyone to visit Vetsforfreedom.org to see what the group is about.
Brad Ziernicki
Linwood
Made right choice
Recently, Forest Lake High School students had a wonderful opportunity planned to allow them to hear from Gulf War veterans. Students need to hear real-life experiences from all sides of differing issues, and this would have been one such opportunity.
Unfortunately, that experience was lost when, what should have been a quiet discussion between students and veterans became the media flash point for two opposing views. Suddenly our school was about to become the arena for untold numbers of unknown adults with unknown intentions converging to play out their dispute. Can you imagine the possibility of a riot or the impact of a violent protestor on school grounds?
Our principal, Dr. Steve Massey, made the only responsible choice by canceling this event. He was in no way trying to shelter students from the controversy. The real issue was about keeping students safe from a situation beyond our control. We want students to have rich learning experiences, but not at the risk of their personal safety.
My children attend Forest Lake schools, and my daughter will be at the high school in two years. If I believed this administration was shying away from controversial subjects, I would be the first to cry foul. I want my kids to hear it all. There is no way I would have wanted my kids put into this potentially riotous situation while at school.
I hope everyone will take another look at what they heard. The early news reports were missing many critical factors, and by the end of the day, they too had determined that the story wasn’t about patriotism or freedom of speech. It was about a principal making a tough decision to ensure the physical safety of his students. Dr. Massey made the right choice.
Lee Anne Brockman
Forest Lake
(EDITOR’S NOTE: The writer is a teacher at Forest Lake High School.)
FL’s Black Eye
Well, Forest Lake made national news, but not in a way to be proud of.
Pete Hegseth, a Forest Lake graduate, scheduled a presentation by Iraq combat vets (vetsforfreedom.org) to students. It would have been a marvelous opportunity to hear recent history from those who made it—unfiltered and uncensored by the media.
The presenters were true heroes with medals ranging from the Silver Star to a nomination for the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Unfortunately, left wing anti-war protestors got wind of it, and threatened to demonstrate. Consequently the veterans were disinvited, and the presentation was moved to the American Legion. Ironically, they had laid their lives on the line, not only to preserve Western civilization but also on behalf of the freedom of speech they were denied, as well as for the rights of protesters.
The new venue gave the veterans opportunity to speak their mind. Having been in Iraq before and during the current military “surge,” they related the success of that strategy and strongly recommended staying the course. They understand the consequences of the alternative. Leftists invested in defeat, including the protesters and both Democrat presidential candidates, advocate cutting and running, i.e., surrendering to America’s enemies—consequences too horrific to contemplate. They are unable to comprehend them.
Fortunately, the students in attendance got a first-hand relation of history straight from those who lived and made it. News of the attempt to deny this history lesson and to gag the vets spread across the nation, creating righteous indignation and a black eye for our little community.
Richard Doyle
Columbus
Bowing to pressure
I was shocked to hear that a public school in America has bowed down to the pressures of a few protesters and turned there back on the very people that have kept our country free and safe. The school has a large influence on our children’s minds and their future.What are you trying to tell them if you wont allow American heroes to speak about their experiences and what the military has done for our country?
I am embarrassed for you and your entire administration for how you have treated the men and women of our military. Think about this, in your attempts to be politically correct and count the number of people you have offended.
Being a prior service member myself I am extremely offended you would so easily turn your back on the men and women in the military that make this country what it is. You should be ashamed of yourself. Maybe the Forest Lake school board should rethink their decision and find the right man for the job, someone who will teach our children how to stand up for our country and to do what is right.
Daryl Bzdok
Forest Lake
(EDITOR’S NOTE: The letter was addressed to Principal Steve Massey.)
The whole story
It is often hard to get the whole story about an emotional issue, before we react in some way. That happened to me in response to the Vets for Freedom stop in Forest Lake.
At first I was angry that we would have stopped the vets from visiting our schools. I am a big supporter of our veterans, and a bigger supporter of Pete Hegseth. But, like many others, once I heard the whole story, I had to change my mind.
I now give Principal Massey an A+ for wanting to bring them into our schools for an educational experience (when no other public school had allowed them in) and I understand why he canceled when it became a potential political rally and anti-war demonstration in our parking lot.
His job is to educate and protect our students from harm and I think he made the right decision. It had nothing to do with not supporting our vets or wanting the students to have an educational opportunity to hear from our veterans. We do that many times throughout the year.
It’s too bad that all the good that is done, doesn’t get national attention. If I’m mad at anyone, it is the news media that just won’t tell the true story about the good news from Iraq.
Karen Morehead
Forest Lake
Disgusted, Hurt
I am a Forest Lake High School alumnus and a disabled veteran of the US Navy. I have children in the 831 school district. As a parent and veteran, I am appalled at the recent actions of the high school principal and the school board members involved in this decision.
The recent events regarding the Vets for Freedom national tour being abruptly cancelled due to “rising concerns that the event was becoming political which would be inappropriate in a public school setting” is extremely upsetting.
The content of this venue was discussed prior to the tour stop and the message was fully outlined for the district, which agreed to host the venue for the benefit of our students. Vets for Freedom stated they were not sharing a political view, rather sharing first hand experiences.
As a veteran, I freely share my experiences with young people and I continue to support all of our American troops stationed around the world.
It appears that the school district has decided to take a political stand on the war on terrorism. The action taken by school administrators made this simple situation into a political statement and very clearly told the community, parents, - the state, country and world, that District 831 will freely share its political bias when challenged.
Every member of school administration and leadership that took part in this very disgraceful decision to cave to the cries of a few and hurt many in their wake should be ashamed. I find it very disheartening, shameful, and despicable regarding your treatment of our veterans who were willing to share their experiences and help coach our youth on what putting the uniform of the United States military on really means.
Roger Brandel Jr.
East Bethel
(EDITOR’S NOTE: The letter was addressed to the ISD 831 administration.)
What is Next?
I was one of the many that were outraged when Principal Steve Massey called off the National Heroes Tour stop at Forest Lake High School. What is our country coming to when the very people we owe our freedom are turned away from a public school?
I find it disheartening leaders in our school district and community can actually believe that an event honoring national heroes is too political. Dr. Massey, I can understand that it may be an unpleasant task to ask people to leave who are causing problems any day of the year, but you sign on for both the pleasant and unpleasant sides to being a leader every day you come to work. Have more faith that the vast majority of our community’s residents are intelligent enough to separate the difference between a debate on the war in Iraq versus an opportunity to show our youth how important respecting our armed forces is.
Many members of my family have seen combat and defended this country, and I am very proud of what they have done for the citizens of this free land. What I or anyone else believes regarding the United States and our involvement in the war is completely irrelevant when comparing it the important honor our veterans deserve for giving us the freedom of disagreeing in the first place.
If people in places of authority continue this kind of blatant disregard for respect of our military, what is next? Will Veteran’s Day be too political?
Samantha Bushendorf
Columbia Heights
(EDITOR’S NOTE: The writer is a Forest Lake High School graduate and native of Forest Lake.)
Wasted opportunity
You had an amazing opportunity to present to your students at Forest Lake High School a view by the Vets for Freedom. You blew it!
You missed a chance to teach students something that they would not see on TV, read in the paper, or hear from their teachers. Forest Lake has a high rate of alumni that are now serving or have served in the military.
For a principal, as an educator, it is your job to present all sides or points of view on a subject. Your did your students, our military, their families and this community a grave disservice by your actions on March 25.
I don’t think the students of Forest Lake are guaranteed a well-rounded education based on your narrow minded views. You succumbed to your fears — not by terrorists — but by a group of parents who threatened to remove their children if you allowed the vets to speak.
Your owe your students, this community and every veteran a huge apology.
Peggy Peloquin
Forest Lake
(EDITOR’S NOTE: The letter was addressed to Forest Lake High School Principal Steve Massey. She is the mother of a son serving in the Marines.)
Don't ban vets
The people that said they wanted to protest the Vets for Freedom should be ashamed of themselves. The kids would have learned about history in the making.
It must be wrong in the protesters eyes for our children to learn anything in our school system relating to history in the making? But at the same time the protesters are not doing anything about the kids in our school system being allowed to use cell phones and Ipods during class time.
Lets protest something that’s positive for the kids and turn our backs on the things that are making our teenagers disrespectful in the classroom. I think that all electronic gizmos should be banned from our classrooms with the exception of calculators.
Maybe the protesters can read this and protest for something that would have a positive outcome and help the teachers and the kids. That would be a win-win situation.
Ban the electronic gizmos and not veterans.
Scott Kraiter
Wyoming Township
|
|
|
