November 24, 2007
Thank you West Valley High School

I am the chaplain of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1435 in the Valley.

I was very proud and humble when an invitation was left at the VFW office inviting us to the program at West Valley High School on Nov. 9 to honor the veterans. I was very impressed with the choir, the dance team, the band, and of course, the students who gave such nice talks.

I was in the Navy and served on the USS Saratoga at the Battle of Iwo Jima. I was the veteran who stood up to help the students to sing "Anchors Aweigh" when the band was playing the songs of the different branches of the armed forces.

We hear so many negative things about this younger generation. I want to share with you what happened as I was leaving the gym after the program for our veterans. As I left two young students tapped me on the shoulder. I turned around to ask them what they wanted. They said "Sir, we want to thank you for your service to our country."

I am 81 years old and have never been so proud and humble as when these two young gentlemen said thank you. As I left the gym tears came in my eyes.

Elmer E. Dempsey

Spokane Valley

# posted by Edward @ 10:26 AM