Veterans bring history alive for high school students

SPARTA — In honor of Veteran's Day, Sparta High School invited local veterans to share their experiences with students and staff.

Originally scheduled for Veteran's Day, this event was postponed due to Hurricane Sandy to Dec. 7 — the 71st anniversary of Pearl Harbor, the infamous day that dragged the US into World War II.

History department supervisor and teacher Steven Schels, welcomed the veterans to Sparta High School and led them outside along with teachers Shannon Hobby-Psensky and Robert Jones for the flag-raising ceremony.

The crisp scenic sunrise, and senior Luke Guigliano's rendition of Taps made for an awe-inspiring morning. At its conclusion, the veterans presented a gift from the American Legion — a POW MIA flag, representing those taken as prisoners of war or reported missing in action.

Each history class had the opportunity to speak to a group of two or three veterans. Communication veterans Douglas Cherkas and William Aukema were impressed with the enthusiasm with which students greeted them. Students leaned forward to watch Cherkas demonstrate how to use a radio and listened with wide eyes as Cherkas and Aukema spoke of their childhoods that were dominated by the ongoing war.

"I can remember speaking to my dad about Pearl Harbor," recounted Cherkas, who entered the Navy in 1952. "I was nine years old then but you never really forget things like that. I know there are people who deny the horrors of World War II, but believe me, it happened."

Aukema remembered how quickly he matured upon entering the war effort, following his family's emigration from German-occupied Holland. "I was young and I was adventurous," he said, chuckling. "It felt like entirely different world out there. I guess I enjoyed service, but didn't want to make a life out of it."

A pin drop might've echoed in the silence that followed the veteran's words. Stories of bloodshed, loss, and destructive technology commanded the attention of every student and staff member crammed into the classroom. "It's interesting to see what today's history books have to say," commented Aukema. Students have studied wars for years but there is no substitute for listening to eyewitness accounts.

Aukema encouraged students to get involved with American Legion. "The opportunities are enormous. I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life when I was 20, 21, but service opened up a lot of doors for me. I ended up working for Jersey Central for 37 years after serving and I'm very grateful."

Today, American Legion is dedicated to helping veterans and their families with careers, education, and otherwise adjusting to society with community-based programs like baseball leagues and fundraisers.

Senior Jon Poon, who plans to enlist in the Marine Corps following graduation, said, "It was so inspiring to meet actual people who worked so hard to serve our country. I can't wait to join."