103-year-old WWII Veteran teaches history lesson at Kirkwood school

KIRKWOOD, Mo. – Elementary school history lessons aren't often taught by history makers, but the man at the front of this Kirkwood classroom Tuesday had a front row seat to one of the most consequential days in world history.

"I think that's the main thing I have to get across—we saved freedom for our country," 103-year-old St. Louisan and WWII veteran Ralph Goldsticker said.

Goldsticker flew 35 missions in World War II. Chief among them was a bombing mission over northern France on D-Day.

In May, we chronicled Goldsticker's return to France to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. While there, he met President Biden and the first lady.

"I was very impressed. He was very nice and casual," Goldsticker said.

The special encounter tied together the present and past for this group of young learners. Goldsticker shared memories and mementos to drive home the heavy price of freedom.

"It's so easy for kids to read books and learn about it, but this really brings it to life. Puts a personal touch on it," Amy Cobb, a librarian at the school who helped organize the event, added.

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With the school decorated for Veterans Day, it was a timely talk for this captive audience of fourth and fifth graders.

"Students always remember big things that happen at school. I feel like this is one of those things: meeting someone that's 103 years old who has stories to tell about D-Day and the war. It's something you can't put a price on. It's pretty amazing," Cobb said.

The children were mesmerized by Goldsticker's memory and in awe of his attitude.

"He knows exactly who everybody was, how old they were, what they did, and all that stuff," fifth grader Isaac Van Horn said.

"We're all really thankful for what he's done," fourth grader Priya Vaddi added.

"He didn't give up. He kept fighting, and we're very thankful for that," Another fifth grader, Natalie Moosmann-Young, said.

Gratitude for the greatest generation—a lesson in service and sacrifice you're never too young to learn.