Students - Showcase
“Lessons of Liberty” Initiative
President Bush launched the “Lessons of
Liberty” initiative in his remarks at Thomas Wootton High School
in Rockville, Maryland, on October 30. He asked schools to invite veterans
to speak about their experiences in serving our country; the significance
of Veterans Day, and the importance of supporting the ideals of liberty,
democracy, and freedom. The President asked schools to continue to participate
in the initiative throughout the school year by helping students learn
more about America’s history and values, and by encouraging student
participation in community organizations and public service projects.
The initiative is “an opportunity for American students to learn
more about our country and its values, as well as the people that have
been called upon to defend its freedom.”
A number of DoDEA schools are participating in the initiative:
DDESS
Camp Lejeune Dependent Schools
- Lejeune High School held
two “Celebrate America: Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagles
Fly!” assemblies. Guest speaker was General Sattler, Commanding
General, 2D Marine Division.
Fort Benning Schools
- Herbert J. Dexter Elementary School interviewed
an Army veteran, Mr. Richard Skinner, Assistant Superintendent of
Education for Fort Benning Schools, about his experiences as a veteran
for the school’s weekly, in-house television program. The school’s
K Club sold barbeque dinners on Veterans Day to benefit the Pentagon
Relief Fund.
- Stowers Elementary School
invited local veterans for breakfast and to visit classrooms to share
their military experiences with students. The school chorus performed
a medley of patriotic songs.
- Wilson Elementary School
broadcast daily patriotic segments during the week, including the
history of Veterans Day. Veterans of WWII, Vietnam, and the Gulf War
were guest speakers at various grade levels. The enrichment/gifted
student program produced a Veterans’ Day video in which students
interviewed veterans and spouses of veterans. The video will be distributed
to veterans’ groups. Student-produced broadcasts throughout the
week focused on Veterans Day-related books available in the school’s
media center. The Young Authors Literacy Club developed a “We
Remember” art/essay/poetry collection. The Photo Club produced
a “Flying High” exhibit (photos of the flag and other patriotic
symbols) which was displayed around the Post and the town.
Fort Knox Community Schools
- Macdonald Intermediate School
showed the American Legion’s Veterans Day video over closed circuit
TV. During the week, soldiers on Post were invited to speak with students
about our government, patriotism, the flag, and American values and
their protection.
- Scott Middle School showed
a video produced by the American Legion which explains what Veterans
Day is all about. Students are writing notes of thanks to veterans
on donated Christmas cards, which will be delivered to the local VA
Hospital and placed on veterans’ meal trays during the holidays
as a special treat.
New York-Virginia DDESS
- Amherst Elementary School held
an assembly honoring veterans.
- Dahlgren School held
a special Veterans’ Day assembly with Captain Snyder, Chief of
Staff of the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division, as guest
speaker. The program included a skit and patriotic songs, including
a solo of “God Bless the U.S.A.” by one of the military
parents.
DoDDS-Europe
Wuerzburg District
- Robinson Barracks Elementary
School second graders wrote letters and made
drawings thanking soldiers for the work they do. The school has a
Patriotic Day scheduled for November 29.
- Schweinfurt Elementary School students
studied the origin of the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Wuerzburg Elementary School third
graders invited several military parents to the classroom to talk
with students.
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