Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Sweetser, Hopkins share thoughts
Davenport School District students, teachers and area community members and veterans rise to sing "God Bless America" at the conclusion of the annual Veteran's Day ceremony Thursday, Nov. 9.
DAVENPORT - Students of all grade school ages joined teachers, administrators, several community members and military veterans for an annual Veteran's Day Assembly in the high school gym Thursday, Nov. 9.
Two veterans with school district connections spoke at the assembly after music teacher Rob Harper led the high school band in the National Anthem. First up was Cpl. Walt Sweetser, husband of district food services director Sarah Sweetser and Marine Corps veteran.
Sweetser, who fought in Desert Storm as part of the first unit to fire on the ground during the Gulf War, told students that military service is something any person should try.
"That's an experience I will never, ever give up," Sweetser said. "It's an incredible journey."
Sweetser said the bonds formed with fellow soldiers are incomparable.
"I couldn't name three people I went to high school with," he said. "But I could almost name every single person I was in service with."
Sweetser encouraged both boys and girls to consider military service after graduation, noting "it's not just for the guys."
Next to speak was Lt. Cl. Jim Hopkins, a high school teacher and veteran of the Army National Guard who is married to elementary principal Sarita Hopkins.
Hopkins put his teaching skills to use in his speech, instructing students about Army values: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage.
"I'm kind of an acronyms guy," Hopkins said. "When you combine all the Army values, it spells
'ldrship.'"
After Hopkins' speech, a student-made video sharing students' thoughts about the importance of Veteran's Day was played. To conclude, choir director Helen Adams led the assembly in the singing of "God Bless America."
Drew Lawson is the editor of the Davenport Times. He is a graduate of Eastern Washington University.
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