APPLETON, WIS — The solemn funeral procession for Appleton firefighter Mitch Lundgaard made its way past Houdini Elementary School on Monday. Tonight we share how students of that school learned a lesson before the procession passed, a lesson in how to best honor our community's heroes.
The kids at Houdini Elementary school have just wrapped up a lesson, an important one, on what it's all about to be a part of their community.
"She told us about the wonderful firefighter that was helping and that passed away," says Kambree Barker a fifth grader at Houdini Elementary.
By creating hundreds of signs on Monday riddled with patriotism, stars and stripes, and colors so bright that the student’s appreciation can escape the cardboard that’s been decorated, these students are saying thank you to firefighter Lundgaard.
"They are risking their lives every day and doing it for us and working hard for our community and I really do appreciate what they do," adds Barker.
After a few final touches and additions of thoughtful last minute messages, the students made their way outside to let their community know, we're all in this together.
"They plan on going outside with their signs and showing those to the families and other police and firefighters affected by this.... you know just silently supporting them by holding up their signs," says Lisa Poss a fourth grade teacher at Houdini Elementary.
This is how Houdini Elementary students paid their final respects to Mitch Lundgaard. A member of their community they may not have known, but who has gained an amount of respect from these kids for the service he gave, to their community.
"My poster was the Appleton Fire Department sign and it said thank you so much! Thank you for working so hard, you are my hero," adds Barker.
