The cafeteria at Hamburg Area High School was full with 137 veterans and spouses for the fifth annual Veterans Breakfast hosted by the Hamburg Area High School and the Military History Club on Tuesday, Nov. 11.
“We say ‘thank you’ to our veterans for their service and for coming today to our breakfast in our way of honoring you,” said Clark Zimmerman, Social Studies Department Chair and veteran. “We greatly appreciate everything that you have done. To us and the school, it’s a nice way to tie in the community.”
The annual event began five years ago when high school principal Christopher Spohn came up with the idea of paying respect to the veterans in the community. Each year the event has drawn a number of veterans and active military members with this year’s attendance surpassing the 122 participants that attended in 2012.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance and blessing by Pastor Mark Caston of The Bridge Church, the attendees were served breakfast with help of Hamburg Area High School students. Not only did the veterans and their guests speak amongst each other, but the students had a chance to speak with them and hear some of their unique stories.
“For our students, they are reminded of the importance of Veterans Day. To see the faces of the men and women who may have actually participated in the events they learn about in the textbooks,” said Zimmerman. “I think that’s kind of important and special to them as well.”
Each year, there are guest speakers at the breakfast. In the past, speakers have included Cory Etchberger, authors, teachers, coaches and others that have served. This year’s speakers were found by Zimmerman at the big World War II weekend in Berks County.
Guest speakers this year were Roy Reifsnyder and Bert Winzer. Unfortunately, Reifsnyder was unable to attend, but Zimmerman spoke on his behalf briefly telling his story as a Gunners Mate 2nd Class for the U.S. Navy on Destroyer USS Calhoun. He participated in Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Reifsnyder’s ship was attacked and sunk by 19 Kamikazes.
Winzer spoke about his time in the U.S. Army, 1st Special Service Force, Devil’s Brigade which was an elite commando unit of Americans and Canadians. This unit was the forerunner to today’s Special Forces. The room was completely silent with the audience focused on Winzer as he shared his experiences and memories. He also had a collection of items to show the attendees and was available to speak with guests after the breakfast.
Before the end of the morning, there was one more guest speaker Matt Schreffler, Hamburg graduate and veteran. He presented the school with a flag that was flown in Afghanistan in a combat mission on April 28, 2013.
“I love this event because I get to see some old friends, meet new ones and appreciate how our school comes together as a team to put this event on for our community,” said Zimmerman.
The annual event will once again be held at the high school on Veterans Day in 2015.
Special thanks goes to Steven Keifer, Spohn, Andrew Netznik, David Shefter, Lisa Eisenhower and the Cafeteria staff for providing breakfast, the Facilities staff for the set up and Terri McCarthy and the Leo Club for providing the American Flag magnets that were given out to veterans.
