Every year my children have a Veteran's Day School luncheon at their school. They invite all the local veterans for lunch (prepared by the "moms" of course :-) and an afternoon of conversation and festivities. For me, my children, my husband, this is such a wonderful day! Our children learn to interact, converse and respect all those that have sacrificed for our great Country and risen to the ultimate duty of Service!
This year's festivities concluded in several veterans (one from WWII) instructing the older boys, Cole included, in proper flag folding, raising, lowering and etiquette so that their school will be able to raise and lower the flag in honor each day. How wonderful and special this was to him as a young man, I dare say this event was a critical part of him becoming a man, citizen, patriot.
While I did not snap any photos out of respect for all, the children did sing several patriotic songs during the luncheon and my daughter was chosen to recite one of my favorite poems to the veterans. Many Veterans were brought to the brink of tears.
How moving for our children in a time where too many are disconnect from the realities of war! Once again, I will share this very special poem with you and hope that you too are honoring veterans in your community this weekend!
While I did not snap any photos out of respect for all, the children did sing several patriotic songs during the luncheon and my daughter was chosen to recite one of my favorite poems to the veterans. Many Veterans were brought to the brink of tears.
How moving for our children in a time where too many are disconnect from the realities of war! Once again, I will share this very special poem with you and hope that you too are honoring veterans in your community this weekend!
"In Flanders Fields"
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below
We are the Dead.
Short days ago, we lived,
felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high,
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
- John McCrae
For those who have served, serve and will serve
Those who throughout time have protected our liberty and land
We remember you, bless you, thank you,
celebrate you & pray for you all
celebrate you & pray for you all
on this Veteran's Day 2011
-Erin
What a nice tribute to our veterans. I think it's also a good lesson for the children to learn about what the holiday really represents. The girls' school also had an assembly where the veterans of the town were invited and various grades sang, played band songs, etc. The attorney in town also gave a speach about his time in Vietnam and got pretty graphic. I was a little worried for all those young ears to hear. However, Annie came home later and told me she cried after his talk because it made her grateful that her daddy came home safely and that she now can understand what her classmate's daddy must have gone through who didn't ever come home.
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