Elizabethtown townlively.com
JANUARY 15, 2025
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SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LXV • NO 49
wellness
The story Vietnam War veterans share of Stan firsthand accounts with students BY ANN MEAD ASH
objects they kept with them while they served. Mary Nolt, a social studies teacher at Manheim Central High School, has hosted the veterans panel for several years. “My hope is students will grasp the power of living history through the Vietnam veterans panel,” she said. “These gentlemen always come with a smile and willing and ready to share their stories with the students. … It is one thing for us to talk about the Vietnam War in history class; it is another for students to interact with and learn from those who lived through this time
The influence that the late Stan Deen had on New Holland - as a teacher, a director, and a member of the community - is well known. Stan, who passed away in July of 2016, founded Garden Spot Performing Arts (GSPA), the Garden Spot High School (GSHS) auditorium is named for him, and, according to Mike Ressler, chair of the New Holland Area Historical Society (NHAHS) board of trustees, “Ever ybody (who knew him) has a Stan Deen story.” However, it was a chance meeting between NHAHS founder Steve Loewen and Nate Deen, who was taken in by Stan as a GSHS student and on whose life with Stan the soon-to-bereleased film “Brave the Dark” is based, that has resulted in an exhibit called “The Remarkable Mr. Deen.” The display will take up the main room of the NHAHS Museum, 207 E. Main St., New Holland. No end date has been set for the exhibit. Nate and Loewen were both at a movie at Penn Cinema in early 2024. Their short conversation in the lobby led to lunch and to Nate visiting a car show Loewen organized in midJuly - bringing along the 1973 Camaro Z28 that was used in “Brave the Dark.” More meetings and a tour of the NHAHS museum followed. “I said (the museum has) got to do something in conjunction with the movie,” said Loewen. Nate agreed, noting that Stan had done much for New Holland, but that others deserved credit as well. “To honor Stan is awesome,” he said. “But there are many in this community (who get involved). That’s
See Veterans pg 8
See Stan pg 3
BY CATHY MOLITORIS
T
hanks to a unique partnership with a local veterans group, students at several Lancaster County high schools can get a firsthand account of the Vietnam War. A panel of veterans, organized by Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter 1008, provides students with an immersive experience, offering insights that go beyond what they read in history books. The panel, which has been visiting local schools for nearly a decade, includes veterans from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force, each of whom share their unique perspectives.
“My hope is students will grasp the power of living history through the Vietnam veterans panel.” Education chair John Hoober, who organizes the visits, explained that the veterans’ goal is not to teach a traditional history lesson but to engage students with personal stories. “What do these kids want to know about the Vietnam War and the Vietnam era? Almost all of their questions lead to our personal experiences,” he said. T he panel is composed of diverse veterans with varying roles in the conf lict . Some were boots on the g round, in the midst of the conf lict, while others served in supplies, finance and mechanics. The
diversity offers a well-rounded view of the war. The veterans begin each program by introducing themselves and sharing their backgrounds, including their service during major events like the Tet Offensive and the Brown Water Navy’s patrol of the Mekong Delta. Afterward, students have the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with the veterans. At most talks, students share their knowledge of the war, including experiences such as visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. They often ask questions about
post-traumatic stress disorder and Agent Orange, the herbicide used during the war, as well as experiences of “tunnel rats” soldiers tasked with clearing underground enemy tunnels. The panelists share their stories of danger and survival, offering personal insights into the physical and emotional toll of their service. The veterans also bring personal memorabilia to display and share with students before and after the panel presentations. Items include photos of the soldiers in their youth along with pieces of their uniforms or
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A panel of Vietnam War veterans addresses students at a previous year’s presentation.