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| | Email this article • Print this article | A sea of red, white and blue greets Iraq veteran
by Çonnie Bickman
Iraq Army veteran, Gunnar Swanson, recently walked 1,000 miles from Dallas, Texas to Northfield, in "A Soldier's March for Peace" (ASM4P) project to raise awareness and funds to help kids affected by war. He spoke at schools, YMCAs and other groups of kids as he traveled, with Cannon Falls being the last stop on his ASM4P speaking tour. Missy Klapperich, who organized the Cannon Falls school appearance, introduced War Kids Relief directors, Dina Fesler and Gunnar Swanson, and quoted Mother Teresa in saying, "Peace begins with a smile," adding, "and after you listen to these two humanitarians, you will be smiling too."
After the event Klapperich commented, "Gunnar is like a celebrity to the kids. They instantly love him! I can't think of a better role model. The entire staff at CF Schools was so willing to help make this event happen and I received such positive feedback from adults who were there to listen to Gunnar's message. He spoke from his heart, not a prepared speech. He touched these kids and helped them realize that they, too, can be THE ONE to make a difference!"
Dina Fesler and Gunnar read letters written by kids in Iraq, and Cannon Falls students were given classroom time to write letters to be delivered back to kids in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Mrs. Hjellming's 1st grade class wrote their letters using only "happy colors" and one little girl asked, "Why can't you just put them in the mailbox instead of going all the way over there." Gunnar replied, "Because I get to see their faces light up with excitement when I deliver the letters." He added, "These kids will probably keep your letter their entire life. It will be so important to them to have a letter from an American kid."
Many classrooms followed Gunnar's walk on the ASM4P website (www.warkidsrelief.org) and were anxious to meet Gunnar and participate in his efforts to help kids.
Over 1,000 letters have been collected from CF students. Here is a quote from a letter, by Tyler Anderson, "I hope that in the future different groups of people will be more tolerant toward one another and countries will be more open toward each other. My fears are that conflicts in the world will go on for decades without being resolved."
Harlie Miller wrote a letter of encouragement, "You and I are alike in some ways; we are both kids that have goals and dreams. One day, whether it is soon or sometime in the future, you will have a safe place to live. I pray every night for you and hope that you can grow up to be an important person; a doctor, a lawyer, maybe part of an organization that helps kids who are in the same situation as you were. Don't let anything stop you from dreaming, no matter what anyone says they can't take that from you. Dream BIG!"
Thomas Zachary wrote: "I dislike how the Taliban are using and killing little kids over there. Kids are supposed to have fun and enjoy life, not go to school and be afraid of bombs and shooting. I hope this ends soon!"
Klapperich noted, "Working with Gunnar and Dina has been a wonderful experience. One thing I admire about them both is the fact that they don't quit! They meet their fair share of obstacles along the way, but their passion is strong and continues to be their driving force."
Additional photos of the students will be posted on the Beacon website.
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