Patriotism is a constant thread in my classroom, from the American flag to singing songs. Here are the children “flying to the red white and blue”:
These moments happen all the time. They’re spontaneous and driven by the children.
We hold a school-wide Memorial Day Remembrance every year at the Memory Garden. Yes, our school really has a Memory Garden on the playground. It is a lovely place to just be. Classroom pets are buried there, and special stones are placed to remember a parent and also a child who died. The plants and flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Today our This Land is Your Land quilt was hanging for the Memorial Day Remembrance.
My class always gets to hold the big American flag. We’re the ones who wear the flag hats. A member of the military is an honored guest and plants flags in the Memory Garden with the help of children.
Children know that our Memory Garden is a place of reverence. Watching a soldier planting American flags… they understand.
It was a very special day. My children look forward to saying “thank you” to those brave men and women they see in uniform.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
So lovely, Jennie 😍
Thank you, Ritu! 😍
Terrific, Jennie. They will remember this forever. Thank you!
Thank you, Steve!
Every year, for Memorial Day at Woodland St School in Worcester (K-8), the entire school would gather in the schoolyard and sing patriot songs, including all the Armed Service themes, beginning with our National Anthem, under the leadership of our long time principal, Miss Lombard. When we finished the songs, the schoolyard got very quiet and a trumpeter, in the distance and out of sight, played taps. It was beautiful and chilling, as we paused and gave thanks to those who gave everything so we could do this. God bless America and every man and woman who served or is serving and proudly representing the USA.
Wow! How wonderful. I wonder if Miss Lombard passed down the tradition. I would love to have a bugler play taps at our event. That must have been been incredible. Yes, God bless America and all those who serve and have served. Never forget!
What a great idea having a Memory Garden.
It really ‘works’ in big and little ways. Thank you, Andrew.
I always rave about how you help raise your children, Jennie. So many in the teaching profession could learn from you as well!!
That is so nice, GP. Thank you!
how precious and wonderful
Thank you, Beth!
Wonderful, Jennie. It’s important to start them young.
Yes, it is important. Thank you, Norah!
Nice to see the kids enjoying the song, Jennie. I don’t think kids here sing patriotic songs at school anymore, but they do get reminded of Armistice Day, in November.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you, Pete. Patriotic songs are always popular, and children love music. I hope kids ‘across the pond’ do sing patriotic songs. We also have the Fourth of July, which is a celebration rather than a remembrance. Plenty of patriotism in a short period of time. Best to you, Pete.
This is wonderful and I’m glad to see the quilt on display! Perfect!
Thank you, Darlene. The quilt worked out perfectly for the event.
When I saw the title, I knew you would have the perfect post to commemorate Memorial Day, Jennie. Thank you. ❤ Sharing.
Have a beautiful holiday weekend. 🕊️ Hugs on the wing. 🕊️
Thanks so much, Teagan. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Happy holiday weekend to you!
Have a peaceful Memorial Day, Jennie. This was terrific.
Thank you, John. Enjoy the weekend.
You as well
LLOL! They’re all going somewhere in Merica!! They’re so darn cute!
I loved it, too! Thanks, Deborah. 🙂
How wonderful, Jennie and a lovely quilt..Your children will always remember these times with fondness and I hope will remember to always honour our soldiers 🙂
Thank you, Carol. I hope they will. Glad you like the quilt.
I love it;s simplicity, Jennie 🙂 x
Thank you, Carol. I do, too!
This is great, Jennie. I loved the video. I hope you enjoy the day.
Thanks, Dan. I’m glad you enjoyed the video. It’s so genuine. Have a great weekend!
So sweet and brings back great memories of teaching the little ones:)
I’m glad it brought back memories. Thank you, Becky!
Jennie, this is beautiful!
Thank you, Charles!
How lovely and meaningful.
Thank you, Luanne!
Lotsa favs here – gardens, quilts, kiddos, and special holiday ceremonies.
peace
Thank you, Laura!
The quilt is wonderful, and remembrance we need to live in freedom in future too. 😍 Michael
Well said, Michael. Thank you!
:-))
Patriotism is a very good thing to feel.
Indeed it is.
How lovely that your school has a Memory Garden!
It is a beautiful place, and important to children.
You always teach your children the things they most need to learn outside of reading, writing, and arithmetic. What a wonderful experience that they have to remember forever, and you can believe their children one day will grow up and remember this too. Thank you for the most excellent service always and forever. Anne in appreciation of you.
Thank you, Anne!
The garden is perfect for reading as well…
I think so!
That being said, I do believe if the pages were waterproof, I might be caught reading in a thunderstorm by our village waterfall… 😉
Lovely! 🙂
🙂
This is wonderful, Jennie.
Thank you, Robbie.
What a great way to help the next generation remember who won our freedom! Thank you!
Thank you!
Good for you, your school and great for them! Am so glad you posted this reminder that NOT ALL school administrations have drunk the “hate America” kool aid!
Thank you, Jonathan!
As a former teacher in a Christian school for the handicapped, I was thrilled at this post.
Thank you so much, Jonathan!
Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
A TOUCHING GLIMMER OF HOPE FOR AMERICA! ❤
Thank you, Jonathan!
Just beautiful Jennie ❤
Thank you, Debby! 😍
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