This letter is to thank high school principal Dave Zwingel and the Rugby community for their support of our graduating seniors who have chosen to serve our country in the U.S. military.

Oftentimes the only students who are acknowledged at graduation are those who have achieved academic success, and rightfully they should be acknowledged, but what about those who choose to forgo college until after they have done a much bigger service, that being service to their country?

Mr. Zwingel, for a number of years now, has had the graduating seniors who are joining the military stand to be acknowledged at graduation. He doesn’t have to, and in fact, most principals don’t, but Mr. Zwingel recognizes that our graduates are sacrificing for us. It made my heart proud and eyes leak to see every person in the auditorium that Sunday afternoon last year stand and cheer for my son and his classmates who had made that hard decision to serve.

So again, thank you, Mr. Zwingel, for telling our young men and women we’re proud of them for serving our country and for keeping us free.

Miller is a Rugby resident.