From the desk of Jan Hommel, American Freedom Museum Director:

Students from Mrs. Huggins 11^th grade Humanities class visited the American Freedom Museum this week to take a closer look at World War I.

They heard stories of life in the trench for a WWI soldier including his daily routine and his fears. They slowly began to envision what trench warfare was really like. Learning of the “state of the art” weapons and supplies for WWI soldiers helped students develop a deep appreciation for all our veterans have been through and provided them with a glimpse into the true conditions of war.

As they explored the personal details of WWI heroes such as Gen. “Black” Jack Pershing, Sgt. Alvin York (who ran out of bullets in a gunfight) and Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker (who shot down 26 enemy planes and later survived being lost at sea for 26 days), they quickly learned that courage is not possessed by the fearless! Only a coward boasts to have never known fear. The courageous just hold on a little bit longer!

As our 11^th grade students are approaching their final year of high school and preparing to enter the college world, fear may be a common companion. The men they studied today did not decide to take their challenges head on when they were in the middle of the challenge. These men chose to stand and face their uncertain future long before danger surrounded them. It is our hope that our students will find encouragement in the ones who have gone before them and be inspired to do great things in the years to come!