Letter to the Editor: Zack Shannon Escort Reveals Young Observer's Wisdom

Hi Katie,

I have just come in from Pinehurst Road where the street was lined with such an outpouring of love for Dunedin's fallen soldier Zack Shannon.

I have posted but a few snaps I took along with many other people I am sure. I am just writing you to let you know how impressed I was with a very young man I met while I stood along Pinehurst Road.

He caught my attention because he was young and walking alone up Pinehurst Road. No friends hanging on him and he seemed very quiet. He held a small flag in his hand and every once in a while he would look behind him to be sure he wasn't in the way of traffic and perhaps checking he wasn't missing out on anything.

I watched him as he walked and wondered how many other youngsters his age on Spring Break would find time to come and honor a fallen soldier.

On his return trip down Pinehurst Road, I asked him if he would talk to me for a minute. He readily agreed. I asked his name and he told me it was Nick Papia. I asked his age and he told me he was 10 years old. He also said he knew he looked 12 because he was big for his age. He had such a friendly way and a warm smile.

Then I asked him this question. "Nick," I said, "why are you here today? I am curious because you are so young."

He put a big smile on his face and then told me in a resounding voice that he was there because Zack Shannon was protecting him and he was fighting for his country.

In that moment, I became so choked up I couldn't talk. Here was a local young man who attends San Jose Elementary that was touched by the death of Zack Shannon. So very wise for his young years.

Dunedin has lost a son to war but I think today another local son has learned a valuable lesson. I told him I thought he was a fine young man and I knew that his parents must be very proud of him. I shook his hand and bid him goodbye.

This is another instance of our local youngsters who have respect for others. It was plain to see that Nick has some fine parents and teachers, as well, that have instilled in him values and morals.

Dunedin is a great city to live in and what wonderful residents we have living here. I am so happy to have met so many today but especially happy and very proud to have met a young man named Nick Papia.

Ann Hansen
Dunedin resident 

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