“What does it mean to be a patriot?” Members of the American Legion, Town of Wallkill Post #1181, asked a group of fourth graders at East Coldenham Elementary this and other thought-provoking questions during their presentation on Nov. 15.
The post-Veterans’ Day celebration began with students introducing their family members who have served or still serve in a branch of the armed forces. A slide-show presentation, created by the students, playing in the background included photos and information on the veterans in their lives, as well as famous American veterans like Bob Ross and Betty White.
“My Mom is in the United States Air National Guard full time. She has been in the military for 11 years and is still serving,” wrote fourth grader Ryan Ortiz on the slide he created for the slide show. “My mom deployed to Al Udeid Air Base Qatar in 2019. Her job in the military is to ship and receive cargo all across the globe. My mom also teaches other members at her base how to ship hazmat on military aircrafts a.k.a gray tails or birds.”
The Town of Wallkill American Legion kicked off their presentation with a video on the Birth of our Nation by Jim Scali that talked about what patriotism means and how veterans uphold our freedoms.
Jim Scali, commander of the Town of Wallkill American Legion, said: “I was brought up in a military household and was taught to be proud of my heritage. My uncle served as a tanker in World War II and it made me want to become a tanker as well. I saw a need for patriotism to be taught to children; to teach them why they get to live in a free country and who is responsible for that. We made a commitment to serve our country and nobody has relieved us of that duty.”
With more than 1.6 million members, The American Legion is the largest veterans organization in the country and represents all branches of the armed forces. As a part of their organization’s mission, the veterans in Post #1181 have spoken to over 55,000 students in schools all across Orange County. Veterans from the army, navy, marine corps, and airforce worked together, in true military fashion, to give the students at East Coldenham a memorable experience.
The fourth-graders watched eagerly as the veterans demonstrated the proper way to fold a flag, listened intently while a veteran played the bugle, and thoughtfully answered questions. There was even singing of “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood. In the end, there were more than a few misty eyes, and hands were shaken as mutual respect passed from one fellow veteran to another throughout the room.
The American Legion used to present to entire elementary schools, but started focusing on fourth grade classes to align with the curriculum. Fourth grade is typically when children are introduced to early American history.
One of the many facts the veterans shared with students was that one percent of the American population is protecting our country. That’s three million servicemen and servicewomen out of 300 million citizens; a mighty big responsibility being carried by a small portion of the population.
“Courage, service, and sacrifice: These are but three of the valuable lessons the veterans teach our fourth grade students when they visit East Coldenham each year,” said Dan McDonald, principal of East Coldenham Elementary School. “By learning from the veterans in our community as well as in our own families, we are reminded of the cost of the freedoms we tend to take for granted. Speaking from a personal perspective, I leave the presentation each year with a deeper respect and gratitude for those who have served in the armed forces. I can’t think of a better way to forge a strong connection to history, our community, and the power we each have to create a positive impact on our country and our freedoms.”