Veteran's Day Program

Education is not, by any means, solely about "book learnin'".  Actually, it's the lessons outside of the books that often are most important and make the biggest impact.

Today I got wind via a Facebook friend that there was a Veteran's Day program on our local square.  I toyed with the idea of taking the kids and realized that I was struggling to show them the shear importance of this day and perhaps this was the key to helping them start to understand. We finished our lessons earlier than usual and bundled up to walk up to the square.

Before leaving home I talked to the children regarding what I thought might happen.  We talked about the gun salute, standing when I whispered to them that it was time (for the Pledge), etc.  We talked about voices off when they read lists of names of men and women who fought in wars and died.  Like many new experiences, I don't think the children understood much of what I said except that they were to be on their best behavior and that this was very important.

When we got there it was obvious to see we were a bit out of our element.  Most (maybe all?) of the others in attendance were veterans or had ties to the local DAR/American Legion chapters but we were welcomed with open arms by everyone there.  I think people were pleased to see young ones in attendance and perhaps a bit skeptical as to why I'd drug them out.  I was actually quite surprised at the small amount of people in attendance.  Someone handed me an outline of the program, for which I was grateful, so I could whisper cues to the children.

The whole program lasted around 20 minutes, but we took in a LOT of experiences.  The singing of the National Anthem, lowering of the flags, special music by some Schuyler students, a 21 gun salute, standing for the Pledge of Allegience, and the playing of Taps.  I had never been more proud of a group of kiddos as I was today...not one complaint about the cold, no talking, full attention on the program in it's entirety.

We hustled home in the chill afterwards and followed up with discussion here at the house.  We started with each child telling something that they remembered from what we'd just seen.  Everyone gave a different answer: "the guns, the flags coming down, the singing, the shiny wreath, and the instrument [bugle]."  We talked about the people we saw in uniforms and the ones with guns and what it means to be a soldier.  We talked about what country we live in and practiced saying AMERICA!  I told Natalee and Xavier that there Papa Curtis was an Army soldier and their eyes got great big.

Oh, do I think the children fully understand what 'it's' all about?  No, certainly not.  But then again, do I?  I don't think you can ever fully understand what it means to have served your country until you've lived it.  So, to those who do understand...today and everyday - we thank you!