A Salute To Veterans’ Day

By Larissa Lytwyn

Middle Gate Elementary School first grade teacher Helen Miller knows all about Veterans’ Day; her husband is a Vietnam veteran.

Lt Commander Alan C. Miller retired from the Coast Guard Reserve three years ago. After a three-year period in the Navy during the 1960s, he joined the Coast Guard and served during the Vietnam War. He remained in the Coast Guard Reserves until 2000.

“My husband first came into my class room 12 years ago,” remembered Ms Miller, who has taught for nearly 30 years. “He came again this year because the entire school is learning about Veterans’ Day. He spoke to the entire first grade.”

Donning full uniform, including distinctive navy-blue cap, Lt Miller discussed the central divisions of the military: Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard.

“The Coast Guard is the only military branch that is active during peace time,” Lt Miller explained. In addition to protecting US harbors and waters of American interest, the Coast Guard also rescues vessels in distress and aids in natural disaster recovery, such as oil spills.

Students proudly reflected on relatives who had served in previous wars, from World War II to Vietnam. Others talked about fathers who currently serve in the military reserves.

Lt Miller said some Coast Guard fleets are presently posted along the Mid Eastern Gulf coast.

“One of our former first grade teachers, Barbara Gorham, has a son who is currently serving as captain in Iraq,” said Ms Miller. “Ms Gorham retired about three years ago. Some of my students have had older siblings who have been taught by Ms Gorham.”

After Lt Miller talked about the history of Veterans’ Day and famous veterans from George Washington to Secretary of State Colin Powell, Ms Miller visited each first grade classroom with pictures of Captain Gorham.

“The students are going to be writing to him,” she said. “It’s going to be a great project. It’s important that we have each grade get in touch with this important day, and the people who are there now.”