DAVID CITY (SNR/ACS) – Aquinas Catholic Middle & High School in David City held its annual Veterans Day program Nov. 11.
Local veterans presented the flag and the Aquinas band performed the national anthem. Ann Sabata, president of the US VFW Auxiliary, spoke on the history of Veterans Day, originally called “Armistice Day.” It was first observed Nov. 11, 1919, to commemorate the first anniversary of the end of World War I. After World War II, Armistice Day was extended to celebrate veterans of both wars. In 1954, congress approved of the name change to Veterans Day.
A large portion of the Aquinas program was dedicated to learning about the most highly decorated military chaplain, Servant of God Father Emil Kapaun. After four years of serving his home parish in Pilsen, Kan., Father Kapaun entered the US Army Chaplain Corps in 1944. He served in World War II and the Korean War. He was well known for his bravery and determination in bringing the Mass and the sacraments to the front lines.
Father Kapaun and fellow soldiers were captured in November 1950 and taken to a POW camp 40 miles away. During this ‘death march’ in extreme conditions, Father Kapaun supported many soldiers to not give up, and encouraged others to help those who couldn’t walk anymore. In the POW camp, he administered to the men spiritually and physically, even stealing food to help keep others alive.
Father Kapaun died as a prisoner of war in Northern Korea in 1951. He was given the title ‘Servant of God’ by Pope John Paul II, the first step toward sainthood.
Jennifer Frasher, mother of current Aquinas students Gianna and Miriam, presented her unique connection to Father Emil Kapaun. Frasher’s mother JoAnn (Svoboda) Nowak grew up in the same small town as Kapaun and knew him as the parish priest growing up. Her family and parish received the sad news of Father Kapaun’s death in 1951, but for 70 years the location of his burial was unknown.
Kapaun’s remains were identified in March 2021 and returned to Kansas. They were laid to rest inside the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita, Kan. Sept. 29. Frasher said Nowack was able to watch online through tears as her childhood priest and now “Servant of God” was brought back home.
The program concluded with a 21-gun salute and trumpet solo, “Taps” performed by Aquinas junior Mara Yindrick, under the direction of Mrs. Helen Ostdiek.
