COVID-19 has brought on a variety of hardships for many people. There have been lost jobs, sick loved ones, and a change in our daily routine as we once knew it.
Despite the negatives, though, most people would agree that there have also been some good things that have come out of this quarantine…like more time at home with our families, a renewed sense of helping others, and an appreciation for our everyday heroes who sacrifice to help others in a variety of different ways.
One way Eagle Grove High School has decided to honor some of our very own alumni heroes is by creating a Military Salute Wall. It will be on the south side of the upper commons area. You might have already noticed there were a few pictures on display there of alumni who are/or did serve, but Nick Hanson, EGHS custodian and Salute Wall enthusiast, said it’s going to get a major upgrade. It’s going to be a statement piece and it’s going to honor all Eagle Grove High School graduates who have served over the years, active, retired, or deceased.
He said it all began when an old edition of The Eagle Grove Eagle was found that was a salute to the military men of Eagle Grove printed “In memory of these fallen heroes.”
Hanson said it sparked a desire in him to recognize all those who have served or are currently serving from Eagle Grove. EGHS Principal Heidi Vasquez agreed, and so the project has begun. Before school is back in session (hopefully) this fall, Vasquez will paint a patriotic scene on the wall in the commons area. Hanson is doing his part for the Salute Wall by collecting and framing all of the photographs. To do this, however, he is asking for the public’s help. If you have a son or daughter, brother or sister, husband or wife who has served in any branch of the Armed Forces, active or retire, who graduated from Eagle Grove High School, please send a 5×7 photograph to:
Eagle Grove High School
C/O Nick Hanson
415 NW 2nd St
Eagle Grove, IA 50533
Please include the name, branch of service, and year graduated from EGHS. Hanson will take care of the framing and hanging. “This is just something really neat we can do to recognize all the military men and women who have come out of Eagle Grove High School,” said Hanson.
Keep watching The Eagle Grove Eagle for more on this when the wall is completed, although it will always be a work-in-progress to continue adding photos as time goes on.
