DARKE COUNTY – Mississinawa Valley Local Schools held its 13th Annual Veterans Day Celebration. Students were able to invite family members to the school for a breakfast followed by a Veteran’s Day Presentation.
The pledge was led by Girl Scout Troop # 3131 and the anthem was performed by Mississinawa Valley Choir members.
Gaylen Blosser was invited to speak to share some knowledge and his experiences while serving in the Army.
Blosser is a Veterans Services Commissioner for the state of Ohio representing the VFW for Darke County. He was in the United States Army from 1969-1970 and served in the Vietnam War 1969-1970 in which he served as a teenager. He was a 11-B-10 Combat Infantry Soldier. He also served with Alpha Company, Battalion, 46th Infantry, 196th Light Infantry Brigade, 23rd Infantry Division Vietnam.
He is also a very well decorated Veteran. He’s been awarded numerous medals including Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge (CIB), Presidential Unit Citations, Meritorious Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Expert Badge with Rifle and M-60 Machine Gun Bar, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.
“On the 11th hour…of the 11th day…of the 11th month…the fighting of World War I ended in 1918. Due to the conclusion of the War to end all Wars, November 11th became a recognized day of celebration,” shared Blosser. “The day was originally declared Armistice Day eight years after the end of World War I and honored only veterans of that war. Then, in 1954, after World War II and the Korean War, Veterans’ Day was renamed to honor all veterans who served America in war and defended democracy.”
Blosser shared a quote from President Ronald Reagan, “Each time our nation has called upon our citizens to serve, the best have come forward. Words cannot express our gratitude and admiration. But we can and should take the opportunity on this Veterans Day to remember their gift to us”.
“So, now is the time to not only honor those who have fought or are fighting for our freedom but it is also the time for each of us to take part in protecting it,” said Blosser
Blosser expressed that maintenance of freedom in America should be used, and in order to save our freedoms, we must exercise them by simply voting in elections or speaking out against injustices that we may encounter.
“Veterans’ Day isn’t just a day for veterans – it’s a day for all Americans. It’s a day to remember why they were fighting and a day for all of us to begin our journey of protecting our freedom and the freedom of many future generations.”
Blosser shared some thoughts and strong advice to the students from his experiences and the reality of losing some of his youth while away in the jungles of Vietnam.
“Take pleasure in being young. Do not be in a hurry to grow up. The world will push you to grow up faster, faster than may be healthy for you, faster than you need to so that you may miss some of the joys of being the age you are now.”
“For you who have not served or will not serve in our country’s military, always remember you are just as much an American citizen and have the same rights as those who did serve. We need farmers, teachers, factory workers, the trades, doctors, nurses, housewives, and the list goes on – these are all necessary for the good of our country,” continued Blosser.
Later in the program, students also shared a project that they have been working on for the past two years. Operation Gratitude is an opportunity for K-12 students to write letters that are then delivered to deployed troops, recruit graduates, and veterans.
Mississinawa Valley students and staff also announced that a check in the amount of $1,291.62 will be given to Darke County Veterans Service Commissions in honor of Veterans both will us and those who are unable to be with us but in our hearts.
“Thank you to our veterans for being here today. Thank you for letting us take the time to recognize and honor you, our country’s true heroes. Thank you for your sacrifices and bravery,” shared Mrs. Kim, Mississinawa Valley Elementary Principal.
