A few week’s ago, I had the pleasure of representing the local chapter of the American Red Cross at two Veterans Day assemblies, one at Monroe Junior High School and the other at Utsalady Elementary School on Camano Island. I wish that anyone who questions our educational system or the innate goodness of children could have attended these celebrations.
At Monroe Junior High students planned a wonderful program including a very polished medley of patriotic music from the band and a lovely set of songs by the choir. Students also read poetry and an essay about Veterans Day. Several local veterans were honored by the students, and there was a feel of genuine respect and gratitude toward them by the entire student body.
At Utsalady Elementary a chorus of perhaps 200 students, each wearing a red, white or blue shirt, filled the stage and sang two sets of traditional and patriotic music. A large paper flag, made by the students with cutout handprints in red, white and blue, hung over the children. At one point, the tape which was holding the flag to the ceiling began to give way. The flag fell on top of several children, who were quick to reach out to hold it up. Two staff members quickly rescued the flag and, immediately following the choral presentation, the principal’s remarks touched my heart. He said that this was an example of how our flag may fall or be threatened on occasion, but that Americans will always reach out together to save our flag and our country. He talked about how working together and helping others is what makes America a great country.
What could have been a small disaster was turned into a wonderful teaching moment. Following this, children read letters of thanks to veterans and the military, and veterans in the audience were called to the front and honored by the presentation of small flags.
At each assembly, generous donations were made to the Red Cross. While I was pleased to accept these monetary donations, the real gift to me personally was to be a part of two warm and patriotic celebrations, which showed great promise for the future of our country.
Everett
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