Ferschkes give inspiring Veterans Day speech at Maryville Middle
By Grace HeadrickMaryville Middle School
Originally published: November 24. 2009 3:01AM
Last modified: November 23. 2009 8:40PM
On Veterans Day, the Maryville Middle School faculty and students showed their patriotic spirit. There was a school wide assembly to honor all that have served. The students got a chance to recognize their family members and friends that are currently serving or have served in the Armed Services.
Guest speakers, Mr. and Mrs. Ferschke, attended the assembly. They gave an inspiring and moving speech honoring their son, Sgt. Michael Ferschke, who had attended MMS for sixth, seventh, and eighth grade. Mrs. Smith told the assembly that her son always said "Mom, if I die, I'm going to die proud," and that's exactly what he did. This story is just one example of the brave men and women that give their lives for us. All of us at MMS recognize that bravery and appreciate it.
Another inspirational story was given by Mr. Hicks, the eighth grade Social Studies teacher. He is a veteran himself. He explained that once while he was serving, he actually lowered his gun to an innocent person risking their life to feed their family. He told us to be grateful that we are never in that position; worrying about death before we go sleep.
He told us to be proud that we live in a country that lets us have freedom and he asked us NEVER FORGET that soldiers that risk their lives every day for our freedom. After he spoke, he presented an unforgettable slide show honoring all who has served. All in all, I probably couldn't give you one student that was not inspired by this assembly.
MMS has made Veterans' Week unforgettable. Almost everyone has chipped-in in some way. MMS has created a fund to bring 278 soldiers home for Christmas. Student volunteers have taken their time to sit at a lunchroom table and collect money for this donation. Students are donating extra pocket change to help contribute.
If there is one thing that the students have taken away from this week it is to never forget. None of us will ever forget all the men and women that have and are still putting their life on the line for us to live in this great country of ours.
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