SHS class, teacher deserve applause

I would like to commend teacher John Nitcy of Sandpoint High School for organizing the Honor Flight event which was held May 3 at Super 1 Foods. It was in commemoration of D-Day and especially in memory of Frank Bradetich, who was killed at Omaha Beach on D-Day June 6, 1944.

As a retired teacher, I can appreciate Mr. Nitcy’s effort to involve the students in a project which will teach the students living history in which they had a memorable part. The students made two wreaths — one for Frank Bradetich and one for the other Bonner County residents who have sacrificed their lives during several wars in which the United States was involved — and helped the world. The two wreaths will be flown to France for the 70th anniversary of D-Day and Frank’s wreath will be laid on his grave. What a way to teach history!

I especially appreciate John Nitcy’s efforts because when I was teaching for the Department of Defense in Germany, I took my sixth-graders every year to see Gen. George S. Patton’s grave at the American Cemetery. Our family also visited many of the 13 American cemeteries in Europe from World War II — including Normandy. There are 9,386 American war dead buried at Normandy. The remains of approximately 14,000 others originally buried in this region were returned home at the request of their next of kin.

The cemetery site cover 172 acres. It’s an unforgettable and touching experience to witness the dignity and history.

BEV WILEY TUCKER

Sandpoint