Veteran Speaks on Citizenship, Empathy and Unity

By Daniel Norland, Upper School history and social science educator
The Upper School commemorated 9/11 this year with a presentation by Derek Abbey on "Citizenship, Empathy and Unity." Mr. Abbey is the director of the Joan and Art Barron Veterans Center at San Diego State University. He also serves as director of the BentProp Project, which finds and repatriates the remains of downed servicemen and women from World War II.
 
Mr. Abbey spoke to LJCDS students about the importance of being empathetic citizens who pursue their passions and contribute to their communities in ways large and small.

At one point, Mr. Abbey asked students to raise their hands as high in the air as they possibly could. He then said, “Okay, now reach your hand even higher. Just one more inch.” They did. “Success in your life,” Mr. Abbey told them, “lies in that last inch. It’s uncomfortable. It’s hard work. And it’s where you can make a real difference.”

Mr. Abbey shared his memories of September 11, 2001, when he was called back to base while training in a fighter plane. He lost friends that day, and he encouraged students to spend the day reflecting on the value of life and thinking about just how much they can accomplish with theirs.

Click here to watch a video of Mr. Abbey's talk.
 
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