Local kids give thanks to veterans

Remember to ‘thank a vet’

Grand Island Dispatch, November 20, 2009
by Michael J. Owen
U.S. Navy Journalist (Ret.)

With the holiday season, a day we “give thanks” and the sharing of Christmas cards on the horizon, some fourth-graders also remembered America’s veterans with cards – “thank you cards.”  Reflecting back on Veterans Day last week, students from Grand Island’s Kaegebein Elementary School, Benjamin Franklin Middle School in Tonawanda and LaSalle Prep School in Niagara Falls made colorful school-made cards of appreciation, expressing thanks to all veterans, all year long.

“We should remember to thank all our veterans that have served and are still serving today around the world, not just on Veterans Day, but all year long,” said Kaegebein teacher Carilyn Chauby, echoing her students’ thoughts.

She brought her fourth-grade class along with dozens of creative and colorful crayon-drawn cards of appreciation to last week’s Veterans Day ceremony, and delivered them to the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249 on Grand Island. (See last week’s Island Dispatch for the story – “Grand Island honors all Veterans”). 

“Many children don’t know what Veterans Day is all about. We sometimes take for granted the service and sacrifice of our men and women in the armed forces that help to preserve our everyday freedoms,” continued Chauby. “These cards from the kids are just simple gestures of appreciation to give thanks for those basic freedoms.” 

On one card created by Julia appears the American Flag planted firmly in the ground and standing alone under a bright glowing sun with only one word on the top – “Veterans” – and inside she wrote: 

“Dear Veteran,

“Thank You for serving our country. Also thank you fighting for our freedom! I am looking up to you everyday. Good luck.

“Love Julia” 

 

“Dear Solider,

“Thank you for protecting our country. I appreciate all the hard work you do.

“Love Alyssa” 

 

“Thank you for being in Army’s and in wars. Thank you for supporting us from bad people! Thank you for making our lives easier! You people are awesome!”

Signed with a smiley face 

 

“Veterans Day rocks. Once a veteran always a hero. Those who have died will never be forgotten. We Americans will have freedom forever.

“Thank you, Elyssa” 

 

“Thank you for serving our country and all your hard work.

“Sincerely, Jake” 

 

“Thank you for preserving our freedom. You make me proud to be an American.

“Signed, an American!” 

Additionally, special education teacher Sede Secic from LaSalle Prep School in Niagara Falls brought cards made by inner city kids with special needs. And from Benjamin Franklin Middle School in Tonawanda, Laura Sexton, a family and consumer science teacher, displayed thank you cards made by her students. They are both volunteer members of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary on Grand Island.

Here are just a few more cards from the kids at Benjamin Franklin Middle School:

 “You have risked your life for my family and I countless times without even meeting us. You have done what I may never do in my life and wish I could thank you for more than just this card. But I want you to know that you’re better than any supper hero, and that I wish I could get your autograph. But I don’t think that’s possible, because you are still fighting for my brother and family. Countless thank yous!

“Jess, seventh grade” 

Another seventh-grader, Conner, wrote:

 “I just wanted to thank you for fighting for our country. Without you history would be very different and I have all the respect in the world for you. My grandfather was in WWII and I really look up to you. Thank you.” 

Also a seventh-grader from Iraq, Hassan, wrote simply: “Happy Veterans Day. Thank you for serving the country!” 

Another student, Darshan, an eighth-grader who unfortunately has not seen his father in years wrote the father’s name, Kenny, on the front of his card. He hopes the father, also a veteran, will receive it. 

These were just a few examples from the very young reminding us all that “freedom isn’t free” and that everyday can be Veterans Day. As we express are deepest gratitude, appreciation and prayers for all those helping to preserve this nation’s freedom. Don’t forget today and everyday to publicly: Thank a vet.