In Greene County, Iowa, today’s high school students help us recall & honor 32 schoolboy soldiers & two teachers enlisting from the town Old Rippey. Ten died.
Reading this article brought tears to my eyes. What a wonderful history lesson, an inspiring teacher, motivated students and a plan for bringing the courage of so many young Iowans and their story to light👏👏
Such a great reminder that history isn’t “out there,” and it isn’t, primarily, a series of dates. History is about my family and your family, my town and your town, and the people who lived their lives and faced what came.
Another Civil War story to add—the entire male student body of Central College in Pella enlisted, along with all of the male faculty who were of fighting age. The school tightened its belt and made it through, a real mountain for a college that was only 8 years old at the beginning of the war.
What a terrific story, Chuck! Thank you for sharing it and helping us all to remember their valor, bravery and sacrifice.
Reading this article brought tears to my eyes. What a wonderful history lesson, an inspiring teacher, motivated students and a plan for bringing the courage of so many young Iowans and their story to light👏👏
Such a great reminder that history isn’t “out there,” and it isn’t, primarily, a series of dates. History is about my family and your family, my town and your town, and the people who lived their lives and faced what came.
Another Civil War story to add—the entire male student body of Central College in Pella enlisted, along with all of the male faculty who were of fighting age. The school tightened its belt and made it through, a real mountain for a college that was only 8 years old at the beginning of the war.
Thanks Chuck for informing young people AND motivating them to get engaged and create their own story. What a service you've performed!
Awesome column Chuck, and awesome research by these young people. We could use them at the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum. Fantastic.
This underscores the importance of engaging young people in our history through programs such as National History Day.
As President Truman said, the only thing new is the history you don’t know.
Thank you and these outstanding young people.
A story within a story. I love this! I’m very moved by this post. Thank you.
Wonderful story, Chuck. Deep dedication by two young patriotic cadres many generations apart.
Great Great story
Thanks Chuck for sharing