The Sapper Spirit Story
Part 1: What the heck is a Sapper?
As I have been getting the word out about this new venture, I often get a puzzled look in response - What the heck is a Sapper, anyway?
Perhaps this is a marketing flub to use language that isn’t part of everyday vernacular. Or it is brilliant, because it will inspire exactly the type of curiosity I encourage my students to connect with on the mat. Time will tell!
I’ll start with sharing what a Sapper is…
Sappers are known to be brave, strong, versatile, and resilient. The Sapper is a symbol of determination and ingenuity.
Sapper is the name of my dachshund who was my faithful companion for nearly 17 years. He was the best friend that I ever had and I miss him very much.
The term "Sapper" is a title used by many militaries around the world. Derived from the French word "sappe" — a derivation of the archaic French word for spade — the name became connected with military engineers who would dig covered trenches that allowed them to approach the walls of a fort that was under siege. The English word "sap" was used in a military sense as early as 1591.
In the United States Army it refers to an elite combat engineer and their motto is "Sappers Lead The Way!" My dog's name was inspired by my brother, who was going to attend Sapper School when I made the [best] mistake of my life getting a puppy and shocking my college roommates (a story for another day!).
In medieval times, Sappers tunneled underground to penetrate castle walls. In modern military operations, Sappers play a crucial role, operating ahead of the front line to facilitate the movement, defense, and survival of allied forces while impeding the enemy. They lay and clear minefields and build bridges, roads, and airfields. Sappers are also trained and equipped to serve as infantry.
Sap is also mentioned in Danna Fauld's poem about my lineage called "Their Lanterns Light The Way."
« Check out Part 2 of The Sapper Spirit Story! »
For paid subscribers (thank you! 😉), I’ll leave you with this poem I wrote in May called “Peaceful Warrior.”
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