*Opinions expressed in Letters to the Editor are not necessarily those of The Messenger.
A quarter of a century ago, a Superintendent of Schools walked into a middle school principal's office after a Veterans Day Program and said “I don't ever want to hear the word God mentioned in this building again. There are people who do not believe in God.” Three years later, after a lack of support from the Christian community and perjured testimony from school district officials (See Depositions and Trial Transcripts), it would cost the principal his job...but not his soul. It was the drip that has now become an open faucet in most school districts.
As I look back on this defining moment in my life, I now know that it was transformational in both spirit and truth. Beginning at Bethel Regional High School in Bethel, Alaska and ending at Park River High School in Park River, North Dakota, I finally found school districts that were not afraid to invoke the name of Jesus at a Veterans Day Program. As a matter of fact, they gloried in showing reverence with voices rather than a simple moment of silence.
Today, if our students want to attend a Veterans Day Program and hear the name of Jesus, they will have to leave the school district. It is one of the reasons that a large number of area veterans drove to the Rochester International Event Center to celebrate this special day. While we applaud those Byron students who served tables and left special messages for veterans, we would much prefer to go to our local schools where we could stand beside our children and grandchildren and thank God for America, our fallen comrades, our men and women in uniform, and those in attendance who have served their country in one of the services. But there is more.
Over the past four years, we have seen our country brought to its knees by a godlessness that we had not seen before. Now that the country has said no to a political party that is actually a party of darkness, I believe it is time we “stand the post” before stepping into the light and embracing what should be a special time for our students: attending a Veterans Day Program where they can openly thank God right beside the veterans who put everything on the line for them. They should not have to leave their own community to “hear” a prayer that reminds them of what a great country we once were...and how great we can be again. A teachable moment for all!
Finally, it is time that local superintendents, pastors, and veterans join hands and find a way to get it done for 2025. While there may be members of the community who will object, we should not be deterred. Due to the fact that the veterans have the right to use the building just as any other tax paying group does, this annual event will be open to whoever wants to attend. Not only will no one be forced to attend, but there will be no more school officials sinking the ship on our children. It is time to close the faucet. America is back! Go Air Force!
