Naming of School Creates Controversy

Naming of School Creates Controversy

Not only are local veterans remembering the heroes of 9/11, they're also trying to honor the thousands of men and women who have fought and are currently fighting for our freedom. Veterans want a local school named in their honor, but it may be a few years before they get it.

Many local veterans and parents of fallen heroes feel very passionately about getting a local school named Veterans Memorial High School. But it's not going to be easy. To get what they want, they'll have to change school district policy.

Cheryl Gardner, 59, remembers almost every detail from her service as a Marine during the Vietnam War. Though she wasn't allowed into combat, she served with pride, despite the lack of public support.

"I think all service members in the sixties, when you were in uniform, because of the horrible attitude the public had, were treated very shabbily."

She says thankfully now men and women in uniform are getting the respect they deserve, but she thinks veterans here in Clark County need more.

"There just needs to be recognition that the reason we are all here, the reason we can all read and write and do whatever we want to do -- the reason we are free is because of the United States military," said Gardner.

It's one reason why some veterans want a far southwest valley high school, which opens next year, named in honor of all Nevada veterans, especially in remembrance of fallen heroes. But despite their efforts, the school district's naming committee shot down the idea.

"The way the policy is stated is right now, which School Naming Committee has to adhere to the current policy, we really weren't allowed to by law to name it Veterans Memorial High School," said Terri Janison, a school board trustee.

Currently, policy says high schools can only be named after locality or region -- not historical significance.

"I know it was disappointing for those that were there but we are really going to work together to see what we can do to memorialize those individuals," said Janison.

"These people have to be remembered in more than just a black granite wall with their name etched on it," said Gardner.

But Gardner says the push to get this memorial will go on and though they have already been turned down, it's a fight they will continue to pursue.