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Fort Dodge teens show patriotism

Members of FDSH girls golf team tidy up, replace worn flags at Veterans Memorial Park

Anyone who thinks that today’s American teenagers don’t care about patriotism or honoring the nation’s veterans received a heartwarming surprise recently.

Members of the Fort Dodge Senior High School girls golf team went to Veterans Memorial Park north of Fort Dodge just before Memorial Day to tidy up the site, ensuring it would look its best for the anticipated visitors. The young women immediately realized that doing so would be an honor.

”It felt like a great honor because the place has a special meaning to my family and to other families who have loved ones’ stones put there,” said Taylor Smith, an FDSH junior.

Smith has a personal connection to the place. One of the many markers dotting the park on edge of Badger Lake is dedicated to her grandfather, who served in the Army during World War II.

Much of the golfers’ work at the park consisted of replacing worn-out American flags near all the markers. They also disposed of some trash and did some general cleanup work.

In addition to Smith, the participating golfers were Brooklynn Bailey, Alexis Kenney, Maddie Major, Estella Moffitt, Makayla Newsom and Anne Treep.

”It was an amazing opportunity to participate in this with my team and it was an honorable way to wrap up our golf season,” Smith said.

Everyone who visited the park on Memorial Day saw a clean, well-kept site thanks to the work of the golfers.

We’re not surprised that Fort Dodge teenagers would pitch in to do something to honor our veterans.

We’re grateful for the patriotism and willingness to go the extra mile demonstrated by the members of the Fort Dodge Senior High School girls golf team.

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