Elementary Students Learn Meaning Of America’s Wars, Veteran’s Day

Real people die in real wars.

That hard lesson was learned and shared Monday by students at Arthur B. Ness Elementary during a school assembly commemorating Veteran’s Day.

The week before, fourth graders studied the military and found new awe for their adult relatives who have worn the green, blue, white or khaki.

But at first, many of the students thought of war as something that happened in movies or video games. When the topic first came up, “some said, ‘Oh, cool,”’ teacher Tammy McCollum said. “Others thought it was scary.”

Students in the classes taught by McCollum and Eileen Lovell learned about all of America’s wars. They learned what it takes to be eligible for the military. And they found out how Veterans Day came about.

They were especially interested - and afraid - after reading a magazine article about land mines. “Land mines were really a big issue, because of Princess Di,” McCollum said.

“It was real scary to them … some didn’t know what they did. When they found out, it was like ‘Gosh, that’s a real person.”’ A wave of giggly energy crashed down into the school’s gym Monday. All those younger kids came to hear what the fourth graders found.

Principal Tom Moore said it’s the usual drill for school holidays - teaching kids why they’re getting the day off.

They said the Pledge of Allegiance. The fourth graders lined up in a long row, each taking turns at the mike. Some spoke loud and sure. Others spoke quietly, eyes down.

The holiday began in 1919, the year after World War I, the students recited. It was called Armistice Day; it became Veterans Day in 1954. Canada, too, celebrates it - as Remembrance Day.

Then, the students recited the too-long litany of America’s wars. The Civil War: “Many people were killed, but the United States remained whole.”

The Korean War: “It was one of the hardest decisions of his presidency,” a little girl said of Harry Truman, “whether to risk World War III five years after World War II.”

“Thank you veterans,” concluded another, “for what you’ve done, and all that you do.”

They ended it by singing the country flag-waver, “I’m Proud to be an American.”

Allie Allen and Greg Bradley are both bright kids. But both admitted they didn’t know much about what veterans really did - even though both had relatives in the military.

Allie said she thought war, for the most part, was TV stuff. “Now it’s easier to believe it was true,” she said.

Greg said he learned where America’s wars were fought. And that they weren’t about adventure. “It’s pretty scary. Really dangerous.”

“They risk their lives,” offered Allie.

In the end, wars were something Greg wanted no part of.

“I don’t think it would be very cool to step on a mine.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo