Democrat photo/Garrett Fuller
Gold Star Mother Sandy Deraps, of Jamestown, addresses the crowd Friday during the Veterans Day assembly at Russellville High School. Deraps' son, Lance Cpl. Leon Deraps, was killed at age 19 on May 6, 2006, by a roadside bomb during a deployment in Iraq. She talked about how his death shaped her view of patriotism, and how veterans deserve recognition as the finest citizens for their service to their communities and country.
RUSSELLVILLE, Mo. -- Lance Cpl. Leon Deraps was only 19 years old when he made the ultimate sacrifice.
It is because of his sacrifice, among countless others, that we are free.
