A father and daughter, both with deep and unique ties to the Armed Forces were guest speakers at the Nov. 10 Veterans Day program at the Perham High School auditorium.
Veterans Day 2006 was not an ordinary observance at the Perham school. America is at war--and a hometown lad who walked the same school corridors was a victim.
Daughter and Perham graduate Christina Rethemeier brought with her a message from her boyfriend Lucas Schmitz, a casualty of the war in Iraq who is recovering in Texas.
Father Arnie Rethemeier then delivered a message for all veterans--and those who enjoy the freedom made possible by veterans.
These were particularly poignant messages that struck home with virtually every person in the crowded, but remarkably quiet, Perham High School auditorium.
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Typically restless young people sat silently as Christina recounted the crippling land mine encounter that cost Lucas Schmitz one of his legs.
As a 2003 alumni of Perham High School, many of the present students knew or remembered Schmitz as an upperclassman. Christina, too, is a Perham graduate, and presently a student at Bemidji State University.
"I sat in the seats that you sit in now, I was taught by many of your same teachers," wrote Schmitz, in the letter to his home town, read by Tina Rethemeier.
"Luke is a remarkable individual and his life is forever changed," continued Tina in her own words. "He is no longer just a soldier, he has become a hometown hero. Luke will be visiting the school on Monday, November 20."
Taking the podium after his daughter, Arnie Rethemeier traced America's veterans from the Lexington Green more than 230 years ago; to the "bleak, empty landscapes of Iraq" of today.
A career ag educator, Rethemeier retired from the Perham schools last year, so he was well known to the students gathered. What many of the students perhaps didn't know, is that during 30 years of his career in Perham, Rethemeier lead a double life--teacher, and that of a "citizen soldier" with the Army National Guard. He is a retired colonel and former battalion commander within Minnesota's famed "Red Bull Division."
Officer Rethemeier took the stage in his Guard camo and polished black boots.
"Who are these men and women who serve today and have served in the past? Who are the individuals who are willing to put their boots on the ground?" said Rethemeir in his speech. "They are ordinary people who have been placed in extraordinary circumstances. Veterans are people who know the true meaning of courage."
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Lucas Schmitz is one of those soldiers, said Rethemeier.
"Luke lost his right leg and sustained injuries to his right hand and right ear...he has been awarded the Purple Heart, the combat infantryman's badge, the Iraqi Campaign Medal and most significantly the Bronze Star for bravery in battle," said Rethemeier.
Schmitz, one of 21,572 wounded in Iraq, has been granted a pass to be home with his family in Perham for Thanksgiving.
