Every school year I enjoy helping my students prepare for a Veterans Day program. We spend time learning many wonderful patriotic songs such as “Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue”, “You’re a Grand Old Flag”,  as well as the military themes for all 5 branches of the military.  I wrote a song called “We Are Proud, Proud, Proud of Our Veterans” that the children enjoy singing!  It’s catchy and easy to sing.  For those of you looking to use my kid-tested creations, the sheet music and instrumental track can be found in the website store.

The children in my classes were given the assignment to write reports about Veterans in their family.  I have found that this is a great way for my students to learn some personal history about their family and take an interest in becoming better acquainted with Veterans!  This year I had a student who found there were 6 generations of Veterans dating back to the Civil War!  She also had pictures of each of the Veterans that we showed during our program!

A favorite book that I like to read each year to my students is “America’s White Table” by Margot Theis Raven.  It explains that a table is set each year in honor of those soldiers that are prisoners of war or missing in action – POW/MIA. home.  I wasn’t aware of this tradition until I read the book a few years ago.

While my husband and I were vacation in San Diego, California, we took a tour of the USS Midway.  While on board we saw a “white table”.   According to an article from the US Navy – here is the meaning of the table…

“The white tablecloth draped over the table represents the purity of their response to our country’s call to arms.

The empty chair depicts an unknown face, representing no specific Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine, but all who are not here with us.

The table itself is round to show that our concern for them is never ending.

The Bible represents faith in a higher power and the pledge to our country, founded as one nation under God.

The black napkin stands for the emptiness these warriors have left in the hearts of their families and friends. A Purple Heart medal can be pinned to the napkin.

The single red rose reminds us of their families and loved ones. The red ribbon represents the love of our country, which inspired them to answer the nation’s call.

The yellow candle and its yellow ribbon symbolize the everlasting hope for a joyous reunion with those yet accounted for.

The slices of lemon on the bread plate remind us of their bitter fate.

The salt upon the bread plate represent the tears of their families.

The wine glass, turned upside down, reminds us that our distinguished comrades cannot be with us to drink a toast or join in the festivities of the evening.”

-(Quote from the Navy Live – the official blog of the U.S. Navy)

While touring the USS Midway, we found a letter written to a soldier from our town Bedford, Indiana. The letter was on a bulletin board on the ship along with many other letters written to soldiers while serving on that ship.   It was interesting to read the letter and I took a picture of it.   The letter tells of news at home and how proud they are of their hometown soldiers!

We need to acknowledge that our Veterans are our “real life” heroes and put their lives on the line for all of us every day!

My personal hero is my father-in-law, Bob Muncy.  He served in Germany in the Air Force from 1950-1952.  Bob faithfully served in the military, but when his father had a heart attack, he was released from the service so he could go back home and take care of the family.  Bob spent his whole life being proud of his country and faithfully serving his family to his dying day!   I am proud to have had such a wonderful father- in – law.

“For the veteran, thank you for bravely doing what you’re called to do so we can safely do what we’re free to do”