As we come closer to Memorial Day, our school begins to get ready for a big day. This year that day falls on our last day of school, which is fitting to end another fun year. To celebrate, I am focusing on a book that will help children understand the reason we get so excited about Memorial Day at our school.
I love the book,
The Wall by Eve Bunting! It really gives students of all ages a picture of the true meaning of The Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Wall in Washington DC.
In the book, a father and his son go to the wall to find the boy's grandfather's name. The story is told from the boy's point of view as he describes seeing flags and flowers. He places his school picture, even though he feels his "Grandpa won't know who I am." His father reassures him that he will.
Eve Bunting's tone of the book reminds the reader that it is truly a place of honor.
Our school does something so amazing on this day each year. In the past, we have welcomed over 500 veterans and their families INTO our school to eat lunch, spend time with the children, and enjoy a program the kids perform. This year there will be less since they have split the route, but it is still a big day for the veterans and the kids. Each year, they ride their motorcycles from California and other parts of the United States to Washington, D.C. Our school is one of the stops!
One of the things the veterans love to do each year after coming to the school is to leave behind the notes our students give them. They place them in plastic bags and leave them with flowers and momentos. It is a sweet gesture to show that others care.
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The students filled the walls with art. |
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The Wall of Names that go up each year. They are signed by those who return each year. |
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Here they are!! |
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New riders putting their names on the Wall of Names for the first time! |
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Our full gym! |
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And they are off! |
So, remember those who fought for our country's freedom! I leave you with one last picture of our day!
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See you next year! |
And don't forget to link up again this week!
An InLinkz Link-up
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