Veterans Day is Friday, Nov. 11. Educators are asked to teach students about the legacy of Veterans Day, why it is celebrated and how to thank our servicemen and women for their service and sacrifice.
It is quite likely that students have a parent, grandparent, sibling or neighbor who is a veteran or is still serving. By engaging in discussion about these crucial members of our society, students will be able to hear from and about those who helped shape American history. Students are encouraged to learn more about these often-unheard stories from those close to them.
Here are ideas to consider: An outdoor flag raising ceremony to highlight an activity that occurs daily at many schools, but often goes unnoticed. Feature Veterans Day in the school publications. Invite veterans to an assembly program.
School libraries can prepare a list of recommended reading material suitable for Veterans Day. Hold a “Thank You Veterans” at scholastic sporting events. The creative talent of students can be encouraged through a school wide Veterans Day poster contest. Post results in the school and in downtown storefronts.
School cafeteria activities could include, if permitted, patriotic decorations. One could create a special menu items such as decorated cupcakes or cookies.
Prepare a reenactment of the armistice signing for use at the Owego / Tioga County Veterans Day 2016 program at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 11, at the Tioga County Veterans Memorial.
Veterans Day offers an exciting opportunity for school music organizations to display their talents. An innovative program might include selections known to have been popular during American wars. And play those musical selections at the service in the park.
Veterans who received the Purple Heart Medal are encouraged to identify themselves for a future ”Tioga County Is a Purple Heart County” celebration.
The 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is Wednesday, Dec. 7 at the Tioga County Veterans Memorial.
Hear living history when Pearl Harbor Survivor Bill Kennedy tells what it was like on Sunday morning, Dec. 7, 1941.
In Tioga and Bradford Counties and the Valley communities of Athens, Sayre and South Waverly, remember a Fallen Hero and all veterans with a Christmas wreath on their grave as well as a wreath at the entrance to each cemetery. Families, churches, community organizations and individual make or buy a wreath for placement and thank those who have served and sacrificed.
On Oct. 20, 1944, U.S. forces landed on Leyte and three days later the major battle began. Also, the Allies captured Belgrade. On Oct. 21, 1944, Aachen falls to U.S. troops, making it the first major Germany city to be captured. Four Tioga County WWII Fallen Heroes are buried nearby in Margraten Netherlands American Cemetery.
For more information about Veterans Day, Purple Heart Recipients, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day or a Christmas wreath for a buried veteran, contact Glenn A. Warner Owego Post 1371 Memorial Day Chairman Jim Raftis by email to jraftis2@stny.rr.com.
Be the first to comment on "Veteran News Brief"