As Veterans Day 2021 rounded the corner, I was expecting the usual program. The one where I sat, listened diligently to the speaker and went back to class. I thought I would have the usual feeling of thankfulness to the brave men and women that protect my rights every day. But within a week, I would lose that feeling when something went wrong in my life, and I could complain to others about my issues. However, when I left the program this year, something had changed inside of me forever.
Although I did not personally know SSG Greg Wagner, I felt like I had when I left on Thursday. During my time at Hanson, the memory of Greg has remained strong. I hear the utmost stories about his character and drive to help others from teachers and students. When I left the program on Veterans Day, I confirmed my previous feelings. SSG Greg Wagner greatly impacted Hanson School and the community of Alexandria as a whole.
I arrived at the program twenty minutes early and was amazed to see many community members as well as local veterans already spilling into the gymnasium. Almost 15 years later, and still this many people came to support the memorial of a brave soldier and his family. I knew at this moment that every single word spoken about SSG Wagner’s character throughout the years rang true.
Every speaker implemented the idea that SSG Wagner was an inspiration, and he carried kindness with him no matter the circumstance. From United States Senator John Thune’s message about honoring the sacrifice that Greg gave us to Jimmy Weber, longtime friend and neighbor, singing If I Die Before You Wake, I knew that this program was going to be different.
Greg’s commanding officer, Colonel Phil Stiles, said one sentence that I will remember for the rest of my life. After the death of his friend, COL Stiles became angry and, in his words, “delivered one of his greatest verbal onslaughts to Iraqi police who had gathered around the scene.” When the police were dispersing, COL Stiles met eyes with a little boy.
“And I stopped, and I realized at that moment that this is not the path that Greg Wagner would have taken,” stated COL Stiles. Nothing speaks more to Greg’s character than this statement. Even in times of struggle and hardships, Greg showed great love to everyone he met, and, even though his time on Earth was short, he demonstrated more character than most will in a lifetime.
Knowing that I walk the same halls as Greg is inspiring. This experience helped me realize that I can maintain the memory of Greg by showing kindness, patience, and wearing a smile on my face in everything I do. Every time I pass over the SSG Greg Wagner bridge which is on South Dakota Highway 38 east of Mitchell, I will remember the legacy he left in Alexandria, and it will motivate me to demonstrate the character Greg did every single day of his life.
It was evident that this event moved many people.
Taylor Schroeder, a senior at Hanson stated, “I really enjoyed this year’s Veterans Day Program and Bridge Dedication. It was amazing to see so many community members come to show their gratitude for the sacrifices all veterans have made and to support the Wagner family.”
“It was truly something memorable that left me in awe. There were so many people there that didn’t even know Greg, but we prayed, sang, and recognized him together. It was a true work of America honoring her soldiers,” commented Hanson sophomore, Elizabeth Rassel.
Many people made it clear that Greg would have been honored for the memorial. However, he would have also been so thankful to see the men and women that protect our rights to be recognized as well.