Tuesday, November 11, 2008

The Veterans Among Us

We had our annual Veteran's Day Ceremony this past Friday.

For some schools this may not be a big deal, but for our school, it is A Very Big Deal. In fact, this is probably the Biggest Deal Assembly we have all year.

Why?

Because over half our parents are either active duty military, reservists (who have been put on active duty) or are veterans.

Because many of our teachers, one administrator, our school nurse, a lot of our bus drivers, a handful of our cafeteria workers, and three of our janitors are veterans.

Because many of our teachers are spouses of active duty military or are the spouses of veterans. They've raised their own families, taught other's children, and did this all with their spouse overseas a huge amount of the time.

Because many of our students are going through the fourth and fifth deployment of one, and sometimes both, parents.

Because this year, for the second time, we lost a parent in combat.

Our kids know the meaning of the song Taps. It makes many of them cry unabashedly in front of their friends, forgetting, for once, to be cool. It will strike this gym full of middle schoolers into absolute, respectful, silence.

Our kids know to give a huge cheer for the Brigadier General and Korean War vet who came to speak, but saved the biggest cheer for the young Army Private who was one of our honored guests.

For our kids, veterans are woven into the fabric of their lives.

And I can't help but think how fortunate they are to have these people in their lives.

9 comments:

Mrs. T said...

Isn't that amazing, and wonderful?
My own children attend Catholic school, and they have a Veteran's Day mass every year- I think it instills in them a sense of respect for those who sacrifice so that we may be free.

The Social Reformer said...

"happy" veterans day

Ruben
twitter.com/redstarvip

ChiTown Girl said...

What a beautifully moving post.

Rho said...

Mrs. Bluebird,
I always read CaliforniaTeacherGuy and love his haiku. Have commented on site, also. I can't view his blog since he took it private. Would you ask him to invite me to his blog? I don't know how to contact him now.
Ignore if not possible, but thanks, if you can!

Mamie said...

Nevermind Taps... just reading your blog entry about made me cry!

Dragonrider said...

How I enjoy your insight. Makes my days better.

Off the topic, how do we get hold of CA Teacher Guy? I really enjoyed his blog, poetry, pictures and now it's for invited readers only. (sad face)

I don't like the idea that some of our favorite blogs may go by the wayside due to a few narrow minded administrators.

Mrs. Bluebird said...

Everyone, I wish I knew how to get a hold of California Teacher Guy, but I don't. Maybe he'll see the comments and will let me know.

Heidi said...

Great post. Thank you from a military spouse.

Darren said...

People say that kids are always looking for something bigger than themselves to belong to. Patriotism fulfills that need.