Follow up to Veteran's Day Fiasco

[tealracing16]

Since we were discussing the school districts Veteran's Day problem and I emailed the school district I thought I would post the email he sent me. Sounds like what was said before. The "news" got a hold of it and twisted it pretty badly. Anyway here is the email in its entirety:

In response to the email you sent the Eau Claire Area School District:

Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns with the district. There is a misunderstanding surrounding our Veteran’s Day programs. This email is to provide an answer to your question. Know that we are disappointed and saddened that this story has offended so many.

There are two separate situations that appear to have been combined that is causing the misperception.

In mid-October the Patriotic Council approached a school and offered to provide a formal Veteran’s Day program – the program that has been hosted in other schools over time. The principal declined the offer as the school was organizing a program that honored and recognized veterans who are associated/connected with the school – family members of students, neighbors, staff. I do not believe the Patriotic Council approached another school. Burger King was contacted as they raise funds for various veteran organizations.

Another of our schools has a long-standing partnership with a VFW post, and includes an Honor Guard as part of their program. This school houses a program that serves students with unique learning and behavioral challenges. Some of these students are highly sensitive to loud noises. In the past these students were excluded from the full ceremony. This year the principal, working with the veterans, agreed to omit the 21-Gun Salute in order to have all children participate in the full ceremony. The principal reported yesterday that the program was well received by veterans, students, and staff.

The school district and the Patriotic Council have worked together planning a variety of events for many years. The president of the Council has also shared information with community members that this is a misunderstanding, and that we maintain a close partnership.

I know this response may raise additional questions. My intent was to provide an overview of how the two events, when combined, can be misinterpreted. Please know that each of our schools hosted a Veteran’s Day program yesterday, just as they have done in the past and will continue to do so in the future.

This link will take you to comments made at a Board of Education meeting by the President of the Patriotic Council. http://youtu.be/ImOvszIjD74 Please scroll to the 18 minute mark.

Respectfully,
Tim Leibham

Eau Claire Area School District

 

[skutr]

I served 10-years and I was PO'd when I read the original story. This makes a lot more sense than the way it was reported in the media. I'm glad to see that the school contacted the VFW post, discussed their students needs and obtained their approval to remove the 21-gun salute.

 

[xcr440]

As I stated in the other thread, this was blown out of proportion in the media.

I'm so tired of them taking something that sounds controversial and running with it without providing facts.

 

[durphee]

Thanks for the update! The media did a terrible job of reporting this and should be ashamed. News is supposed to be accurate, it's no better than reading off a social media site. From the response it sounds like the school and associated agencies did a good job of including all students. It would be nice to see the media outlets correct their story.

 

[ezra]

. News is supposed to be accurate, it's no better than reading off a social media site.

that assumption came to a official July 2013 with the passage of the NDAA bill section 501 .
just 1 more little touch of the fundamental transformation of our country

 

[durphee]

. News is supposed to be accurate, it's no better than reading off a social media site.

that assumption came to a official July 2013 with the passage of the NDAA bill section 501 .
just 1 more little touch of the fundamental transformation of our country

I had to do a little research on that bill. It was an interesting read. I linked over to the ACLU, which didn't object to the bill; which I found kind of interesting. According to the ACLU, they stated "We should trust that the American public will be able to take government public diplomacy communications with a sufficient grain of salt to prevent undue influence." Ummm, I think they are over assuming the competency and intelligence of the general public.