Sixth Graders Honor The Veterans

By Tanjua Damon

On the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour many Americans are honored for their service and diligence in keeping this country free. Newtown Middle School sixth graders in cluster C wanted to make sure that the veterans they knew were honored at a special breakfast on November 8.

The patriotic spirit could be seen and felt in “the dungeon,” where cluster 6-C is located, with red, white, and blue throughout as well as military uniforms worn by veterans and some students. It was a morning to share and learn about the past and the present.

William Moller wore his uniform at the request of his grandson, Graham. He served during World War II and was in the reserves from 1950 to 1962.

“I think it’s one of the greatest days of my life,” Mr Moller said. “We just want to make sure they never have to go to war.”

Students sat around tables created by desks to share a bite to eat and to hear the kinds of stories they usually can only read in a book.

“I think it’s a good experience and we can learn a lot,” student Dennis Conti said. “The veterans have a lot of experience and we can learn from them. It’s good because we’re honoring September 11 too.”

Geoffrey Griffiths served on the USS William H. Bates, a submarine, as a lieutenant.

“I think it’s great. I think it’s very nice,” he said. “Nothing like this has ever happened since I left the Navy.”

Chris Schreiber was interested in the discussion Mr Griffiths was having at the table about the different kinds of submarines.

“I think it’s awesome. You get to learn stories from people who have been in war,” Chris said. “It’s different because we’ve never been in war.”

John McQuail served two years during the Korean War. He was a member of the Marine Corps.

“I think it’s very nice,” Mr McQuail said. “I’m very honored that my granddaughter [Emma Atkinson] would invite me.”

Jack Ryan was in the Army during the Vietnam War, but never served in combat.

“I think this is wonderful. They are getting to learn what happened in history,” Mr Ryan said. “Hopefully by the time they get to be of age they won’t have to deal with this.”

The boys at John Crouch’s table were able to view some photos of him in Vietnam during the war.

“I’m proud to have done what my country asked of me,” he said. “I think it’s really nice these kids are recognizing veterans. It brings out a new awareness.”

After a light breakfast, the students joined together to present poems, essays, and projects about the United States and veterans. Several students sang songs including The Star Spangled Banner, God Bless America and This Land Is Your Land, as well as ones that they wrote themselves about the journeys veterans took for the freedom of America.

 As they were leaving the middle school with smiles of joy, many veterans said they hoped the breakfast would be a regular occurrence on Veterans’ Day.

The teachers in cluster 6-C who helped make the day possible along with the students included Shari Oliver, Sheila Kolesar, Tony Larson and Matt Brown.