Thank a Veteran

November 11th is Veteran's Day. We honor those who have served in the armed forces - Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy and Coast Guard. It is thanks to these very folks that we enjoy the freedoms we do in the good old USA. 

Shared Reading:  The Wall by Eve Bunting    Here is a picture of the Vietnam Memorial located in Washington D.C.  

Learn about our armed forces and military:
Brain Pop video - search under "Armed Forces"
Operation Got Your Six video clip
History Channel - Veteran's Day by the numbers 

There are parades scheduled in both Marietta and Smyrna on Saturday. You are likely to see older men and women dressed up in uniforms all around town. People will be placing flags on the tombstones at the Marietta National Cemetery and elsewhere to show respect for and to honor our veterans. Remember, we have an all volunteer military. No one is making them sign the 4 year contract to join. They do so willingly and know that there's the possibility they could make the ultimate sacrifice (die) while defending their country. That is why we should thank them at every opportunity.

What are some ways you can show gratitude and appreciation to our members of the military? Here's a list to get you started.

We have five staff members @ The River who are veterans:
Coach Bachelor - Army
Mr. Oliver - Air Force
Ms. Martin - Air Force
Mr. T. Williams - Marines
Ms. Neal - Army

David Harris, son of Ms. Harris, also serves in the Navy.

Upper grades will be writing thank you notes to one of these individuals. 

• Use your best handwriting.
• Take it seriously.
• Have Mrs. Young, Ms. Harris or me proofread your paper if time permits.
• Decorate your message with crayons and colored pencils. 

Lower grades will be decorating pictures and writing a 1-2 sentence personal note to accompany with their picture for one of the individuals listed above. 

• Use your best coloring or drawing skills
• Take it seriously.
• Have Mrs. Young, Ms. Harris or me review your masterpiece if time permits.