Wilkes students get to know veterans at Heroes Brunch
Times LeaderNov 15, 2017
Weber is one of 75
"This experience was a real eye-opener for me," Weber said, sitting across from
About 250 veterans, students and guests attended the Heroes Brunch on Tuesday in the
"We are here today to celebrate the relationships between our students and veterans," Balester said.
She said the conversations are transcribed into individual booklets and three copies are given to each participating veteran. She said she keeps copies of all the booklets that have been done over the years and she uses them in her classroom.
"We have to perpetuate the appreciation of veterans and the sacrifices they have made," Balester said.
Wilkes President
"We hope our students will realize their potential for greatness should our nation need them one day," Leahy said.
Weber said he was amazed to hear Witchin's story about how he began his military service at age 18.
"I'm 18," Weber said. "I can't imagine what he and so many others were going through when they enlisted in the military. I have friend who enlisted in the military, but I never gave it much thought. After hearing these stories, I think all the students have a much greater appreciation for their service and for what all of them did for all of us."
Witchin said he served in the Army anti-aircraft artillery for 12 years and he enjoyed every minute.
"It's nice that these students participate in this program with us," he said. "They don't know what war is like."
At another table, veteran
Duda is 97 and grew up in
Covert said she was nervous at first, but soon got comfortable talking to Duda.
"It really was eye-opening to hear all of the stories the veterans told us," Covert said. "And what was amazing to me is that Ruth said she didn't regret anything she ever did in her life. I hope I can say that someday."
Duda said she just wanted to let the students know what it was like to live during World War II -- not just through the eyes of a soldier, but also how civilians dealt with it.
"After World War I, I think the country became a bit too complacent," Duda said. "Everybody thought everything was just fine. And then came World War II."
The other students at the table --
"The veteran I interviewed said it was his duty to serve and he said it was an honor for him to go," Windhorn said.
Balester said since the oral history project began in 2012, more than 350 oral histories have been recorded by Wilkes students. For the second year in a row,
"I would like to thank all of those attending today, veterans, to whom we owe an enormous debt we can never repay, and spouses of veterans, all of whom graciously shared their histories with our Wilkes students," Balester said in her opening remarks. "This event is an annual win-win for us at Wilkes. You as veterans and spouses -- and those who supported them -- help our students to gain an appreciation for the sacrifices of those who came before them so they could enjoy the blessings of liberty. You teach them more than we can about honor, respect, courage, perseverance in the face of adversity, and just doing what you need to do."
Leahy urged the students to continue to tell their stories as they go forward in life.
"I ask you all to tell the stories of these veterans to your children and grandchildren so the appreciation we all have today continues on in future generations," Leahy said.
Covert summed it all up by saying, "I will always be able to say that I had the opportunity and the honor to interview a World War II veteran."
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