MILWAUKEE -- Wisconsin Lutheran High School hosted its annual Veterans Day breakfast and program Monday morning. It's a tradition at the school that dates back more than 20 years.
“This event today is wonderful because these kids are working very hard and they’re very dedicated and extremely friendly,” Rodger White said.
White, a Vietnam era veteran served in the Air Force from 1956 to 1962. He said in that time he learned discipline, camaraderie, and sacrifice.
[Today people should] just thank a vet. If you see a vet, thank them because they gave up a lot and today it's hard to find people who are willing to give up anything,” White said.
Students at Wisconsin Lutheran High School hosted the program for nearly 400 veterans from all branches of the military who served in World War II through the most recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan —this year’s theme —“Live well for the Fallen” —something student council vice president Claire Albrecht said she can’t wait to put into practice —when she enlists in the Navy.
“I thought that it was really the only place where I would feel like I’m doing something for a purpose greater than myself," Albrecht said.
Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran Staff Sergeant John Wayne Walding served as this year's keynote speaker —he discussed losing his leg in battle and how he perseveres despite the trauma he experienced - becoming the first ever amputee Green Beret Sniper.
