South Haven News

By Claire Minor

Nov. 11 was Veterans Day! Parents, staff, students, and South Haven citizens were able to experience the celebration of Veterans Day at South Haven Schools. 

During the Veterans Day program, the South Haven JH/HS Choir and Band gave musical performances along with former student, Makaylin Kuchar, performing “Taps.” There was the Posting of the Colors and the Pledge of Allegiance. Glennis Zimmerman spoke about the Quilt of Valor. And a former South Haven student, Alex Smith, spoke about his experiences as Private First Class in the U.S. Marine Corp.

One of our bus drivers at South Haven Schools, Leroy Ratzlaff, is a veteran who served from December 1966 to 1970 as an air traffic controller. Ratzlaff joined the military when he was 19 years old. Ratzlaff said that his favorite memory was getting out of Vietnam.

When asked what his experience was like, Ratzlaff said “It was mainly positive and I give credit to the Marine Corp for turning my life around because I was in a bad place.” Ratzlaff said that when they put one of the Quilts of Valor around him, he just about lost it because he was so emotional. Veteran’s Day means a lot to him especially for him being a part of VFW.

We all need to remember that Veterans Day isn’t just a day off of work or school, it’s a day to honor and thank those who served in the United States Armed Forces. With that being said, to all of those who have sacrificed for our country, thank you!