Schools celebrate Veterans Day
November 17, 2009
By Christopher Huber
By Christopher Huber
The Elizabeth Blackwell Elementary gym was packed Nov. 9 as parents, students, teachers and community members squished in to commemorate Veterans Day early.
It had special meaning in 2009, due to the recent shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, principal Stephen Bryant said after the event. Those present observed a moment of silence to honor all the country’s vets, as well as those involved in the Fort Hood tragedy.
“With what happened at Fort Hood, it really hits home,” Bryant said.
Like every year, Blackwell — as many schools do — held a festive, stars-and-stripes-themed program. It was full of singing first-graders, a patriotic choir and a heartfelt slideshow showing pictures of students’ relatives who served in the military.
But this year U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert came to Blackwell to talk with the students about service.
It wasn’t just about serving in the military, but about all the ways people can serve each other. Reichert also visited classrooms to meet students as they studied U.S. government.
“He did a really nice job of connecting with kids,” Bryant said.
Reichert visited because Blackwell was selected as the only school in Washington to participate in Operation Caring Classroom, a program that links one civilian school per state with a military-base school.
Operation Caring Classroom organizes elementary students around the country to reach out to and support their peers in military families, according to a Lake Washington School District press release.
The Blackwell students will connect as pen pals to children of active duty soldiers and officers.
Reichert’s message to the students and parents was one of appreciating what others have sacrificed in war and that serving is easier than they think.
“You’re never too young to start serving,” Bryant said. “You’re never too young to learn that there’s honor in serving your community.”
Across town at Endeavour Elementary, 12 veterans who are related to students shared their stories while the children asked questions, said principal Kathy Connelly.
Each year, the school honors the veterans with flag presentations from Cub Scouts, songs from the kindergarten classes and a reception with refreshments, Connelly said.
“It’s a really heartwarming show of patriotism,” she said.
Fifth-grader Emily Kargl said she and her friends liked seeing some veterans in person and hearing their stories.
“It’s important because (students) learn what it’s like to be a big part in the U.S,” she said. “To hear their stories about being in the military, and it’s important to give back.”
Reporter Christopher Huber can be reached at 392-6434, ext. 242, or chuber@isspress.com.
The Elizabeth Blackwell Elementary gym was packed Nov. 9 as parents, students, teachers and community members squished in to commemorate Veterans Day early.
It had special meaning in 2009, due to the recent shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, principal Stephen Bryant said after the event. Those present observed a moment of silence to honor all the country’s vets, as well as those involved in the Fort Hood tragedy.
Blackwell Elementary first-graders sing ‘We’d like to Thank Our Veterans’ during the school’s Veterans Day assembly Nov. 9. Photo by Christopher Huber
“With what happened at Fort Hood, it really hits home,” Bryant said.
Like every year, Blackwell — as many schools do — held a festive, stars-and-stripes-themed program. It was full of singing first-graders, a patriotic choir and a heartfelt slideshow showing pictures of students’ relatives who served in the military.
But this year U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert came to Blackwell to talk with the students about service.
It wasn’t just about serving in the military, but about all the ways people can serve each other. Reichert also visited classrooms to meet students as they studied U.S. government.
“He did a really nice job of connecting with kids,” Bryant said.
Reichert visited because Blackwell was selected as the only school in Washington to participate in Operation Caring Classroom, a program that links one civilian school per state with a military-base school.
Operation Caring Classroom organizes elementary students around the country to reach out to and support their peers in military families, according to a Lake Washington School District press release.
The Blackwell students will connect as pen pals to children of active duty soldiers and officers.
Reichert’s message to the students and parents was one of appreciating what others have sacrificed in war and that serving is easier than they think.
“You’re never too young to start serving,” Bryant said. “You’re never too young to learn that there’s honor in serving your community.”
Across town at Endeavour Elementary, 12 veterans who are related to students shared their stories while the children asked questions, said principal Kathy Connelly.
Each year, the school honors the veterans with flag presentations from Cub Scouts, songs from the kindergarten classes and a reception with refreshments, Connelly said.
“It’s a really heartwarming show of patriotism,” she said.
Fifth-grader Emily Kargl said she and her friends liked seeing some veterans in person and hearing their stories.
“It’s important because (students) learn what it’s like to be a big part in the U.S,” she said. “To hear their stories about being in the military, and it’s important to give back.”
Reporter Christopher Huber can be reached at 392-6434, ext. 242, or chuber@isspress.com.
Comments
One Response to “Schools celebrate Veterans Day”
Got something to say?
Before you comment, please note:
- These comments are moderated.
- Comments should be relevant to the topic at hand and contribute to its discussion.
- Personal attacks and/or excessive profanity will not be tolerated and such comments will not be approved.
- This is not your personal chat room or forum, so please stay on topic.
Remember Pearl Harbor — Keep America Alert!
America’s oldest living Medal of Honor recipient, living his 101st year is former enlisted Chief Petty Officer, Aviation Chief Ordnanceman (ACOM), later wartime commissioned Lieutenant John W. Finn, U. S. Navy (Ret.). He is also the last surviving Medal of Honor, “The Day of Infamy”, Japanese Attack on the Hawaiian Islands, Naval Air Station, Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, 7 December 1941.
(Now deceased) ‘Navy Centenarian Sailor’, 103 year old, former enlisted Chief Petty Officer, Aviation Chief Radioman (ACRM, Combat Aircrewman), later wartime commissioned Chief Warrant Officer Julio ‘Jay’ Ereneta, U. S. Navy (Ret.), is a thirty year career veteran of World War One and World War Two. He first flew aircrewman in August 1922; flew rearseat Radioman/Gunner (1920s/1930s) in the tactical air squadrons of the Navy’s first aircraft carriers, USS LANGLEY (CV-1) and USS LEXINGTON (CV-2).
Visit my photo album tribute to these centenarian veteran shipmates:
http://news.webshots.com/album/123286873BFAAiq
http://news.webshots.com/album/141695570BONFYl
San Diego, California