thedrifter
04-26-06, 06:53 AM
Moment of silence for Marine
Students bound for Arlington National Cemetery
BY CLIFF RADEL | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER
HARRISON - They spent days learning how to place a wreath just so in front of a grave.
No detail is too small to honor soldiers known and unknown, from Sgt. David Kreuter, a Marine from Hamilton County's Miami Township who was killed in Iraq in August, to the remains in the Tomb of the Unknowns.
"These soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice. So, I'll hold the wreath tight," said Abbey Wages. The 14-year-old is one of four eighth-graders from William Henry Harrison Junior High School taking part in Thursday's wreath-laying ceremony at the storied tomb of unknown soldiers in Arlington National Cemetery.
The Harrison eighth-grader will be joined at the white marble sarcophagus by Kayla Wandsnider, Mary Schultz and Chelsi Tarvin. The four 14-year-olds earned this honor because they were the top four finishers in the school's patriotic essay contest.
Abbey scored the highest. So, she gets to hold the wreath. The ceremony is part of a four-day Washington trip taken by 105 of the school's eighth-graders.
Harrison students in that grade have been trekking to the capital for 27 years.
"I was on just the second trip the school ever took to Washington," said Shawn Sowders.
Now, he teaches social studies at the junior high.
For the past decade, he has organized and chaperoned the trip with his sister-in-law and fellow faculty member, Janelle Sowders.
"It's a thrill to see history come alive every year in the eyes of the students," said Janelle Sowders. "By seeing the Tomb of the Unknowns, they learn that freedom isn't free."
After the wreath-laying ceremony, the eighth-graders will walk to the cemetery's amphitheater.
Abbey will lead a moment of silence in Kreuter's memory. The four essay prize-winners will talk about his life.
"He fought for his country," Kayla said. "And he never got to meet his son."
Kreuter, 26, was one of five local Marines killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq on Aug. 3. His son, Christian, was born in June. The Marine saw photos of his son, but never held him.
"We need to show our appreciation for these people with actions," Chelsi said.
"Everyone," Mary added, "is important."
Abbey knows about Kreuter because his dad, Ken Kreuter, is one of her mom's patients. Darla Reardon, Abbey's mother, is a dental assistant.
"I talked with Abbey about Ken's loss," Reardon said. "She decided on her own to honor David at Arlington."
Word of Abbey's plans deeply moved Ken Kreuter.
"David would be honored just to have his name spoken near the Tomb of the Unknowns," he said. "This shows just how far the concentric circles of your good service can travel."
E-mail cradel@enquirer.com
Ellie
Students bound for Arlington National Cemetery
BY CLIFF RADEL | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER
HARRISON - They spent days learning how to place a wreath just so in front of a grave.
No detail is too small to honor soldiers known and unknown, from Sgt. David Kreuter, a Marine from Hamilton County's Miami Township who was killed in Iraq in August, to the remains in the Tomb of the Unknowns.
"These soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice. So, I'll hold the wreath tight," said Abbey Wages. The 14-year-old is one of four eighth-graders from William Henry Harrison Junior High School taking part in Thursday's wreath-laying ceremony at the storied tomb of unknown soldiers in Arlington National Cemetery.
The Harrison eighth-grader will be joined at the white marble sarcophagus by Kayla Wandsnider, Mary Schultz and Chelsi Tarvin. The four 14-year-olds earned this honor because they were the top four finishers in the school's patriotic essay contest.
Abbey scored the highest. So, she gets to hold the wreath. The ceremony is part of a four-day Washington trip taken by 105 of the school's eighth-graders.
Harrison students in that grade have been trekking to the capital for 27 years.
"I was on just the second trip the school ever took to Washington," said Shawn Sowders.
Now, he teaches social studies at the junior high.
For the past decade, he has organized and chaperoned the trip with his sister-in-law and fellow faculty member, Janelle Sowders.
"It's a thrill to see history come alive every year in the eyes of the students," said Janelle Sowders. "By seeing the Tomb of the Unknowns, they learn that freedom isn't free."
After the wreath-laying ceremony, the eighth-graders will walk to the cemetery's amphitheater.
Abbey will lead a moment of silence in Kreuter's memory. The four essay prize-winners will talk about his life.
"He fought for his country," Kayla said. "And he never got to meet his son."
Kreuter, 26, was one of five local Marines killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq on Aug. 3. His son, Christian, was born in June. The Marine saw photos of his son, but never held him.
"We need to show our appreciation for these people with actions," Chelsi said.
"Everyone," Mary added, "is important."
Abbey knows about Kreuter because his dad, Ken Kreuter, is one of her mom's patients. Darla Reardon, Abbey's mother, is a dental assistant.
"I talked with Abbey about Ken's loss," Reardon said. "She decided on her own to honor David at Arlington."
Word of Abbey's plans deeply moved Ken Kreuter.
"David would be honored just to have his name spoken near the Tomb of the Unknowns," he said. "This shows just how far the concentric circles of your good service can travel."
E-mail cradel@enquirer.com
Ellie