LESSON IN APPRECIATION: LOCAL YOUTHS GATHER TO MARK VETERANS DAY

Cape Girardeau youths, who know little about war outside of their history textbooks, celebrated Veterans Day a day early with the sixth annual "A Tribute to Veterans" program Friday at Central High School.

Veterans of all wars, peacetime military, Red Cross representatives, Gold Star Mothers who lost children during wartime, and relatives and friends annually attend the program and a special reception in their honor at the high school. Some 600 people filled the auditorium this year to hear a tribute of songs and essays researched and led by the Renaissance Club, a student organization that works to raise academic performance and school spirit.

Included among those honored during the event were 65 Central High School graduates who died in the line of duty.

Several students said their contact with veterans before and after the program was the first opportunity they had to talk with veterans about their military experiences. Sophomore Antowan King said it is difficult to imagine the conditions soldiers face in battle, and he appreciated the opportunity to hear first-hand how soldiers prepared themselves mentally and physically for the rigors of military duty.

"We learn about it in school, but it's nothing like what they tell you," said King. "It's important for people to know what other people did for them so we understand why we're living the way we're living now."

Renaissance Club sponsor Julia Jorgensen said many Americans haven't properly appreciated the freedom that was won by soldiers. The sacrifices soldiers make was emphasized to the world last month when terrorists attacked the U.S.S. Cole, killing 17 sailors and leaving 34 injured, she said.

"It is important that we be reminded that it is you, the veterans in our audience, who have been a force for liberation of the oppressed around the world," said Jorgensen during the program. "You represent everything that is great about America."

Korean War veteran Eugene Borchett of Cape Girardeau was among those who attended the program. Borchett, whose son currently is serving in the Air Force in Kuwait, said the nation should recognize the contributions of peacetime military today. The world is restless, he said, and there are many nations who would like to see the United States' citizens at odds and not supporting its military.

"There are always people in this world who envy our freedom we have and will try to tear it down," Borchett said. "We have to be on our cues to keep things from getting out of hand.".