Hands on Scholastic Journalism for youth!

A Backpack Journalist

Hands on Scholastic Journalism for youth!

A Backpack Journalist

Hands on Scholastic Journalism for youth!

A Backpack Journalist

Vietnam Veterans Education Fund – Groundbreaking Ceremonies: THE EDUCATION CENTER

Washington, DC – November 28, 2012

Today, a few  “Backpackers”  attended the Ceremonial Groundbreaking of the Vietnam War Memorial THE EDUCATION CENTER in Washington, DC., across from the THE WALL.

At A Backpack Journalist in our writing modules we always
include interviewing and gathering and public speaking.  Often,
“backpackers” end up “writing their speech” as they present to their peers,
or at AUSA Family Forum 2012.

Today, was a great learning experience for “backpackers” in messaging via a
public speeches as presented at the Vietnam Veterans Education Fund – THE EDUCATION CENTER groundbreaking ceremonies.  Public leaders came forward with tributes and their own shared experiences.

It was a ceremonial experience honoring the groundbreaking of The Education Center on the National Mall where all Americans can come to learn about Veterans who served, and lost their lives in protecting our freedoms. (Vietnam – Iraq, and Afghanistan).

Many “Backpack Journalists”  could not attend, due to school responsibilities. So please take a look at the links and commentary below.

Some of the highlights:

BG George Price opened the ceremonies. As he shared information on the
efforts that has gone into the building of THE WALL and now the soon in
2014, Vietnam Veterans Education Center, he stopped and commented to give
him a moment.  It was cold.  He had a cold.  He commented that he could
“hear in his head his Mama saying to wipe his nose.”  Such as a natural
explanation and the group loved it.  (So “backpackers” it’s ok to be natural
in your presentation. And, we have Mama’s who have often given us the same
advice. It was easy to relate  to, as it was a natural comment. The audience loved this!)

Rep. Brett Guthrie from Kentucky shared many memories about his family, and
those that had served in the military.  As he spoke it was clearly his
reflections each had a personal meaning to him. “It’s all about the people
who serve”.  (So “backpackers” share yourself and your family memories.  Your
audience appreciates this. )

The Honorable Ken Salazar, the Secretary of Interior opened with his “job
description”.  His responsibilities include not just taking care of our
nation’s resources but also our heritage and that “we do not forget our
history”.  He sees the importance of the Vietnam Veterans Education Center.
(“Backpackers” having a job description is a good thing, but as important is
to have a vision!)

Adm. Michael Mullen, USN (Ret.) shared a personal story of a Gold Star
Mother in Boise, Idaho who asked of he and his wife Debbie:
“Never, never let it happen, that our sacrifice is forgotten”.   Gold Star
Families were in attendance today.  They were recognized early in the
presentation.  On our facebook page we have shared some of the photos.
(“Backpackers” always be open to listening to what a person wishes to share.
The one word “sacrifice” explains a great deal about the loss that all Gold
Star Families encounter when their service member did not come home,  and
continues today!  Thus, the Education Center will help to provide an
important place of remembrance needed for these families and our Nation.)

Dr. Michael McClung, represented the Gold Star Families.  His daughter was a
Marine who died in Iraq in 2006.  She wanted to go into the Infantry upon
graduation from the Naval Academy.  However, her Dad explained with a bit of
humor, “Megan, sorry but there are laws that say a woman can’t go into
combat!”.  Then, what did Megan decide?  To become a PAO, and her family
thought, well, that’s good and “safe”.  However, they learned that Megan
chose PAO as they can accompany the troops and she ended up in Iraq.  Her
Dad closed his presentation with the following:  “Megan wanted to live her
life with adventure and challenges, in service and sacrifice.  She started
the first Marine Corp Marathon in Iraq.  She was considered by her fellow
Marines to be a “Marines Marine”.  (“Backpackers” enough said.   Captain Megan
McClung, December 6, 2006.)

Dr. Jill Biden shared a most intimate story about her son’s coming home in
New Hampshire several years ago. While she is the “second lady”, (Vice
President Biden), she is first a Military Mom.  “A simple gesture can mean
everything to a returning veteran!”.  Bo Biden and the 261st landed in New
Hampshire and as they deplaned, 150 Veterans and volunteers were lined up to
shake their hands and hug each service member returning.  “Mom, that meant
more to me than anything!”. Bo explained.   Dr. Biden further commented:
“those that welcomed my son home are the real Heroes!”.  (“Backpackers” simple
gestures mean so much. Check out www.joini <http://www.joiniingforces.gov>
ngforces.gov.  Thanks to a member of their team, you were able to visit the
White House Press Room!)

The Honorable Leon E. Panetta, Secretary of Defense gave one of the most
heartfelt speeches that we have heard.  We hope that DVIDS has posted the
majority of his speech.  (Yes, “Backpackers”, you may think that all the top
officials have speech writers but listen up!)

“One of the toughest part of my job, is when I write notes to the families
who have lost loved ones.  First I tell them that I know that they (the
service member)  loved their family, and that their family and the United
States loves them (service member) , and that they gave their life for what
they loved – America.  They are true American Heroes.”  When you read about
the Secretary of Defense and his responsibilities, were you aware of this
special remembrance?  That that is the hardest part of his job?

He continued with what we have learned as a nation:  (1)  War is always the
last resort (2) People can oppose the war. but support those that fight!.
He closed with a quote from Tim O’Brien:  “remembering a story, makes it
forever.  It will join the past to the future”  . “Backpackers” search for work by Tim
O’Brien, a documentary and film maker.  We will soon begin to study his
works.  He said it best.  Didn’t he?.)

Jan C. Scruggs, Founder and President, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.   As
Master of Ceremonies he opened up with a video that shared alot of the
information on the Education Center.  Check out that video at:
http://www.buildthecenter.vvmf.org/

He also introduced Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta with a bit of humor
which also helped all understand the effort that went into the building of
The WALL.  “Well, along time ago I was in a meeting on the hill with a group
of Congressman who were telling me  – NO, we could not build the Wall.
Then, Representative Panetta at the time walked in and said – YES we can!”
Their friendship goes back to the 80’s and clearly there is great respect
between the two men.

(“Backpackers”, Scruggs was mentioned throughout today’s events as the person
who had the vision and then the “energy and commitment”  behind the
establishment of The Wall, and is credited with what followed on the
National Mall (The Korean War Memorial and the World War II Memorial).
Imagine if he had accepted the “NO”?

In closing.  Jimmy Buffet picked up his guitar and asked all to join in to
sing:  God Bless America.  His remarks were brief.  However, well
appreciated as he also recognized Jan Scruggs as engaging him for the Board
of Directors for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.  How did Jan engage
Jimmy Buffet, the man whose music we listened to (and still do) while we
were your age?  According to Jimmy Buffet – “well, I offered to help and
then Jan just had me in a head lock!”.

“Backpackers” – humor is always welcomed when speaking publicly.  It was a
most serious day, one filled shared experiences, remembrances and respect
for our Nation’s Veterans and also those from other countries who have also
supported the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.

We thank the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund for inviting us.  Be sure and
say Welcome Home when you meet a Vietnam Veteran and check out
www.buildthecenter.org.

So now the challenge to all “backpackers” – how can we contribute?  Some of
you have already attended The Wall That Heals, and interviewed some of the
Vietnam Veterans.  Next?

LINKS:

http://www.dvidshub.net/video/191881/vietnam-war-memorial-education-center-g
round-breaking-ceremony#.ULaUNo6hDlI

http://www.facebook.com/backpackjournalist

 

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Vietnam Veterans Education Fund – Groundbreaking Ceremonies: THE EDUCATION CENTER