MP Middle School observes Veterans Day with special assembly

BY BRYCE KELLY

Mt. Pleasant News

Everyday should be Veterans Day. That idea certainly summed up the feelings of all those involved in Wednesday afternoon?s Veterans Day assembly at the Mt. Pleasant Middle School, hosted by the school?s student council.

With special speakers, personalized video messages from Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, patriotic music from the school?s band, local veterans attending as guests of honor, and a flags ceremony from Boy Scout Troop 27, it was a day to honor veterans ? both local and national ? who have served the nation.

First to speak was decorated combat veteran and Mt. Pleasant native, Art Tousignant. Tousignant spoke candidly about his time in the service and encouraged students to remember that while war may seem like a far off concept, for veterans like himself, going to war is a very real sacrifice.

?The truth is, we veterans (and soldiers) don?t love war. It?s not like playing a video game to us,? said Tousignant. ?What we do love, however, is knowing that everyone in America is able to live the lifestyle that a lot of people around the world will never enjoy.?

Tousignant served 24 years of active duty in the United States Army.

?What I want kids to know is that they do live in the greatest country in the world, and so when they see a veteran, I want them to show respect and gratitude towards those men and women,? he said.

And while Tousignant is now retired from the military and is state side with his family, combat veteran and middle school language arts teacher, Jessi Rich, is currently living the life of a veteran and as the wife of an active duty military husband.

?You don?t have to support war to support troops and their families,? said Rich. ?Our military today is 100 percent volunteer. So while they may work for the government, you can be assured they (active duty soldiers and veterans) serve not because they wish to fight, but because they choose to serve our country, and protect the rights of the American people. Their sacrifice allows us to live in peace and freedom.?

Michael McBeth, social studies and history teacher, was another faculty member who also shared a few words of encouragement to both students and adults.

?Kids, I challenge you to continue to learn about what our country?s flag means and what the price of freedom is,? said McBeth. ?Adults, my challenge to you is to teach your kids the value of our veterans and the freedoms that make our nation great.?

Travis Kraus, of the Mt. Pleasant Chamber of Commerce, also spoke briefly about the county?s Home Base Iowa program, which helps veterans find gainful employment after returning home from duty.

Upon hearing from all of the assembly?s guest speakers, the entire school joined in a moment of silence before dismissing back to class.