A rush of excitement swept over me when I got up on Oct. 4 knowing that it was going to be a great day, because I was going to interview a veteran. Everyone should interview veterans if they want to understand the sacrifices made for our country.

My class had the honor of taking a field trip to the Cole Land Transportation Museum in Bangor to do just that: interview veterans. I interviewed Edward Leonard, a Vietnam War veteran.

Mr. Leonard taught me to appreciate the safety and comfort I have when he told me of his life during the war. He said while walking through a swampy area a blade of grass pulled out his grenade pin. He and his whole crew would have been dead had he not acted on the impression to look down at just the right moment and notice the pin missing.

Also, during the war Mr. Leonard had to sleep in a mud-filled hole in the ground. I really appreciate my bed because of what Mr. Leonard shared.

All veterans have stories to tell and we can learn a lot from them if we just take the time to interview them. I did and I’m a more appreciative American for it.

On Friday, Nov. 4, at 9 a.m., we will be having an assembly for veterans at the Messalonskee High School Performing Arts Center in Oakland. If you know any veterans feel free to let them know we are doing this and they are all welcome to come and that they can come early for coffee and some refreshments.

CJ Sudsbury

Sidney

Messalonskee Middle School