“Freedom is worth fighting for,” Gary Gullickson, a 68 year old Vietnam veteran, told a class of tenth grade students. Gary fought in the Vietnam war and served in the U.S., Vietnam, and Japan. Along with brutally honest stories, came a lot of life lessons that he learned over his time serving and wanted to share with others.
“The most important thing is to be kind and love one another,” Gary told the sophomore class. He then instructed everyone in the library to stand up and hug the person next to them, “Less hate and more hugs,” he told them as everyone sat back down. After the presentation students were still thinking about the messages that he shared.
“It made you think about all your freedoms and what the veterans have to go through,” said Josie Imes. Gary spoke to the class a lot about what it means to have freedoms and that they are worth fighting for.
“Gary taught me to live life to the fullest because you never know what’s going to happen, like he said, you’re going to be dead a lot longer than alive so make it great,” said Haley Braun.
Now, a week later, students are still feeling the impact of Gary’s speech.
“I just think it’s amazing to think about everyday people going out to serve for our country, it takes guts, Gary has been through so much and it’s interesting to see him reflect on his time and service,” said Emma Painshaub.
When Gary comes he brings things that students can buy. Each purchase goes to help buy hams for veterans who are hospitalized during the holidays. One of the things that he brings is a book that is full of Vietnam veterans stories that Gary himself put together. Gary has been coming to BHS for a long time now and it’s clear to see that he is making a new impact on the students every time he comes.
