Lieutenant Peter Franklin is now ready to speak. He scrutinizes Mr. Bartley’s class, and it pains him to see how the assignment has torn these youngsters apart. The girl with the blue hair impressed him with her powerful voice, so it gives him hope that he can make a difference. He motions to Mr. Bartley. “I’m going to need each student to have a piece of paper and a pen,” he says.

Mr. Bartley says, “I’ll take care of it.”

He goes to his desk, picks up a stack of printer paper, and asks a young man with a Confederate flag on his belt buckle to hand each student a sheet. Peter’s gaze locks on that belt buckle, then on the boy’s face. Defiance is written all over it, but Peter isn’t intimidated and he easily wins that round. A young woman passes out pens.

When both students take their seats, Mr. Bartley says, “Raise your hand if you know of anyone who’s served in the US military.”

Every hand but two goes up. This, the lieutenant thinks, is a good sign. He’s found that when he speaks at schools where students know military personnel, there’s a deeper level of understanding about what it means to serve the country.

Motioning to the Nazi flag, Mr. Bartley says, “This is a symbol of hate and it represents the most heinous crimes against humanity.” He advances to the next screen. The photo of Peter in his army uniform fills half the screen. On the other, he’s wearing shabby pants that hang on him along with a threadbare long-sleeved shirt. It still gives Peter a start.

“It is a great honor for us to have with us today a speaker from Voices of World War Two Vets and the Holocaust Survivors. Lieutenant Peter Franklin is a decorated World War Two veteran and was the leader of a secret sabotage initiative behind enemy lines. You’re looking at an American hero.”

The word “hero” makes Peter flinch.

Gingerly, Lieutenant Franklin gets to his feet and walks over to the girl sitting in the seat next to Mr. Bartley. He’s going to address the boy with the Confederate flag belt buckle last. He asks the girl her name, shakes her hand, and moves on to the next. When he gets to the girl with the blue hair, he says, “That song is one of my favorites. I hope you’ll record it someday. I’ve never heard a better rendition.”

She blushes and says thank you.

From the photographs in the newspapers, he recognizes Cade and Logan. Unlike the other students, they stand and introduce themselves. “I’m honored to meet you,” Lieutenant Franklin says. His grip is gentle but firm. His voice is quietly respectful. “I admire your bravery and am proud of you both for not backing down. Thank you for coming today.” Humbled, Cade and Logan murmur, “Thank you.”