Today several of our local Korean War veterans took time out of their schedules to talk to our history students about their experiences. We also had a couple of classes participating from Pennsylvania and Texas. The veterans answered students questions, shared pictures, and showed various artifacts.
Mr. Gobert, one of the veterans, showed the standard sleeping bag to the students to help them understand the extreme cold conditions.
Here is a sampling of the questions the students asked:
- What things would you like the American public to know about the Korean war that hasn’t been told or was misunderstood?
- Why is it called the Forgotten War?
- It is said that the US administration was unprepared for the Korean War. Do you agree and why or why not?
- The Korean War was called a Police Action. How does that make you feel?
- Had we lost the war, do you think communism would have spread through Asia?
- Describe what military job you were trained for and whether or not you felt that your training was adequate for what you experienced in Korea?
- How did your families react when they knew that you might not be coming back?
- Were you able to communicate with your family?
- What was the most difficult situation you were in and what was the outcome?
- How has the service affected your life?
The veterans really appreciated the expressions of gratitude and respect from the students. They also appreciated the opportunity to share their stories. In the words of one veteran, "Thanks for letting us blow off steam." The students gained a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made for their freedom.