Calvin Smith Elementary honors its namesake on Veterans Day

TAYLORSVILLE — Down the halls of Calvin Smith Elementary School in Taylorsville, history comes alive. There are displays celebrating America’s beginnings of George Washington, Alexander Hamilton and the signing of the Declaration of Independence, to name a few. But on Tuesday, the spotlight was on one hero much closer to home. This Veterans Day, students celebrated the man who their school is named after, Calvin S. Smith.He is known as “Utah’s Fighting Chaplain” from his service during World War I. “We love teaching our kids about Calvin Smith, Utah’s Fighting Chaplain, and all he did to bring honor to his family in the state of Utah,” said Aaron Wilson, principal of Calvin Smith Elementary. Smith, a Salt Lake City native and the son of President Joseph F. Smith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, served as a chaplain during World War I. Even though these students have never met him, they are learning what he stood for.“It's important because we honor people who serve our country,” said third-grader Brayden Beltran. During the school’s Veterans Day ceremony, students met members of Smith’s family and even presented letters detailing what they had learned about him.Brent Smith Rabe, who is one of Smith’s grandsons, said the ceremony was special to his family. “The children that go to this school have a true example of what they can aspire to be,” Rabe said. “He truly was a hero. So, a great example for the kids at this school.” One of the highlights of the event was the unveiling of a plaque, a replica of an exhibit called "Sacred Service" at the National World War I Museum in Kansas City. Smith is one of just 18 military chaplains worldwide to be honored with this recognition. “That exhibit included Pope John II. He was a chaplain from Italy in World War II. So, he's in great company,” said Rabe with a laugh. Rabe also shared stories that have been passed down by his grandfather. “He was shot several times and gassed and hit with shrapnel. And one time a can of corned beef saved his life,” said Rabe. “He got shot in the back with a sniper, and he found in it a can of corned beef when he was eating dinner that night.” It's the kind of story that captures everyone’s attention. For the 450 students at this school, the story of Calvin Smith brings history and heroism to life, as well as lessons in courage, service, and faith. “His life story is so amazing. He reached out to opposing armies to help bury their dead. He exemplifies all of the values and virtues that we hope our students learn,” said Principal Wilson. The plaque is now a permanent feature in the school, a reminder that lessons in bravery and compassion aren’t just for Veterans Day.“They have heroes on TV, but Calvin's Smith was a real hero, a war hero,” said Rabe. “So, it's nice that the kids have someone real that they can look up to.”

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