On Monday, we welcomed Veteran Bob Doran to our school. Bob spent the first part of the morning in circle with upper elementary and middle school students. This was followed by walking with upper el to Town Hall for the Davidson Town Veterans Day ceremony.
Bob is a veteran of the Vietnam War. He began his time with us sharing about what was going on in the United States in the 1960s - assassinations, the Civil Rights Movement, race riots, protest marches, The Summer of Love, Man on the Moon and the draft. He also shared with students some history of Vietnam and of course, the war. It was interesting for the students to hear that Ho Chi Minh actually wanted to create a democracy, uniting North and South Vietnam. However, he was not received by the United States or Great Britain in the conversation. Thereafter, he was considered a communist for engaging with the Soviet Union. We learned about deferments, propaganda and how military industrial complexes prolonged the war because they were profitable.
In 1967, the year after Bob graduated college and was working as a teacher, he was drafted into the war. He joined the Marine Corps to be commissioned as an officer. In 1969, he was a Marine 2nd Lieutenant assigned 25 miles SW of Danang as a rifle platoon commander. He shared about his platoon, which was like family during the war, the enemy and his responsibilities. He talked about the connections he made with many South Vietnamese, including helping to deliver a baby and how it was important to him to earn the love and respect of the Vietnamese. Bob portrayed an image of the people of Vietnam beyond rice fields and hats, describing them as incredibly intelligent, hard-working, family people.
What sustained Bob during his time at war were letters from a woman who would become his wife once he was home. Coming home was difficult, there were no parades or welcoming signs, no counseling and there was a sense of loneliness. He felt ostracized and had so much guilt over the war. He asks the question, “For what?” - 58,000 American deaths and over one million Vietnamese. Bob returned to Vietnam later in life with his wife. This brought closure.
Bob left us with these thoughts:
When we embrace diversity, we can begin to respect one another.
“We are here to help those who cannot help themselves.”
Who are you? Have confidence to be you!
Be understanding of peers and family. Talk out your feelings, don’t keep it in, have a chat.
When you see a veteran, go beyond, “thank you for your service”. Ask them their story. It’s healing for veterans to share their stories.
Each year, on November 11th at 11:00 a.m., the town of Davidson hosts a Veterans Day Ceremony. Upper elementary students joined Bob at the ceremony. There was music, a welcome from the mayor, Posting of the Colors by Hough High ROTC, keynote speaker Maj. Gen. Scott Jackson, US Army (Ret.), information on the Veterans Day Project and Davidson Veterans Monument, Flag Folding Ceremony and wreath placement. Our class was honored to be invited by Bob to stand with him when the song for Marines was played during the US Armed Forces medley.
This was such a special day for our class. We are grateful to Bob Doran for his vulnerability in sharing his story and of course, his service.
We would also like to acknowledge Chris and Jon Boggiano who joined us in our discussion. Thank you for your service and we are proud to have you as part of our DGS family.
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