The Reason Behind the Ritual
November 2, 2016, (Independence, IA) Before every game, meet or match, the Mustang fans, coaches and players stand with their hand on their heart for the playing of the national anthem. We all stand and pay our respects to the flag, the country and most importantly to our veterans, but do our students really understand the reason behind this ritual?
After seeing a video online of the Virginia Tech Men’s Basketball team meeting veterans, Mr. Hupke, Assistant Principal at the Jr./Sr. High, had a similar idea in mind to make sure the ICSD students and players understood why we stand in honor of the national anthem before each event. Mr. Hupke worked with the local VFW and the Mustang Time leaders to help get in touch with local veterans that were willing to donate their time and speak to our students.
On October 31st, a group of 30 local veterans visited the Jr./Sr. High school during Mustang time. The veterans visited classrooms where students learned about them and heard their story; and what the flag and national anthem means to them. They were also able to ask any questions they had.
After visiting with the students the veterans had time for some refreshments.
The Independence Community School District would like to send out a special thank you to all of the veterans who joined us for Mustang Time. Thank you for your time that you shared with the students and most importantly, thank you for your service.
The following veterans joined us:
Roger Allen Ken Cole Bill Davis
Bob Hughes Dave Brace Dawn Runde
Jim Lawler Greg Gates Shawn Bohanan
Mitch McGraw Jim McGrath Linda Kress
Dennis Ham Tom Short Vince Higgins
Glen Mills Jim Beatty Ivan Appleby
Jerry Robinson Brett Schomer Larry Craney
Dick Weise Don Shonka Bill Davis
Mike Smock Gary McClintock Tex Pentacost (and wife Anna Mae)
Clayton Ohrt Bill Isham
Tim Nichols Doug Beier
Principal Howard states, “What a great turnout and activity for all; veterans, staff and students. I was very proud today to be the son of a Navy veteran and the principal at Independence Jr./Sr. High School.”
For more information about the Independence Community School District, please call 319-334-7400 or visit their website at www.independence.k12.ia.us
###
Tex and Anna Mae Pentacost speak to Mrs. Juhl’s and Mr. Shannon’s class.
Veterans gather for Mustang Time.
Media Contact
Fusion Forward
319-334-9300