Rob Riggan of Shelburne Falls came to speak with students this past Wednesday to mark Veterans Day.
Riggan, who served as a medic during the war in Viet Nam, talked about his service, noting in particular both his sense of duty and his opposition to the war. Out of that personal conflict, he has solidified his belief that required national service – military and otherwise – would strengthen our democracy. He explained that his own military service created lifelong bonds among people whose paths would never have otherwise crossed. These kinds of relationships, for Riggan, are critical to a strong culture and country