At school this week children made a giant thank you note and American flag for our local veterans. Saying thank you is important, but this goes deeper. Veterans and Veterans Day help me to teach children about core values; honesty, integrity, and service over self.
What is a veteran? What did they do? That was our start. Next, we learned about the American flag, especially counting the stripes and stars. I wonder how many children know that our American flag actually has a nickname.
Then we got to work.
Children decided what they wanted to say on the thank you note. I wrote their exact words, and they used markers to decorate the big note.
Cutting red strips of paper for the American flag was hard work. Really hard work! Children were proud of all they accomplished.
I had the privilege of delivering both of these to our local American Legion post, as they were preparing for their Veterans Day ceremony. With Covid, the event was low key, so our delivery was a bright light. As I read aloud the thank you note, I heard their sounds and words that told me this was a ‘big deal’.
They asked to take photos. I asked, too. And suddenly I heard, “Jennie! Jennie!” Eddie, a child in my class, saw me and rushed over. There was the flurry of hugging Eddie (with masks) and questions “He is in your class?” I stopped to show the American Legion officers the parts of the thank you note that Eddie had decorated. The silence was grown men who were pretty choked up.
They wanted a photo of Eddie, too. He is joined by his sister and a friend.
A thank you is sometimes the best gift of all.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
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Congratulations to a wonderful remembrance, Jennie! The handcrafted flag is also wonderful, and looks like in move. Michael
Thank you so much, Michael!
Thank you too, Jennie! Enjoy your weekend!
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Not just grown men choked up here 😉
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I love how you celebrate with them 💜
Thank you, Ritu. 💕
What as wonderful gesture by you and the children. Powerful lessons, reinforced by absolute appreciation.
Thank you very much, Dan. 😊
How special!! I love that you do these things with the kids. xo
Thank you, Darlene. We loved doing this. 🙂
Jennie, thank you so much for this lovely post!
I’m glad you liked it, Charles!
at my last school the 4s did a Veterans Day assembly. The men and women who attended always thanked myself and the director and said how proud they were that these children are thanking them, thinking of them. So often we forget to stop and say thanks. We forget to teach children about the sacrifice. Thank you for taking the time to share this with your class AND those who served our country
I’m so glad to hear your 4’s thanked veterans. You’re right, instilling those values and teaching children that a thank you is a big thing is really important. Thanks, Lori.
Well done, Jennie. These children will remember this “lesson.”
I think they will, Anneli. Today I showed them the photos of delivering everything to the American Legion.
That would make them happy!
Yes!
That’s so uplifting and I need a tissue myself! 🥰
Aww… thank you, Deborah. ❤️
How wonderful!
Thank you, Kim!
Sometimes the best gift you could give is a heartfelt “Thank you”.
Yes, indeed!
So many lessons learned here. They will grow up remembering, and thanking your for those memories.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you, Pete. I do think there are many lessons here. I wish the children could have been there, but I was able to show them the photos today.
Wonderful! ❤
Thank you, Bette! 🥰
What a thrill for everyone involved!
It really was, Liz. Thank you so much!
You’re welcome, Jennie. I love reading these stories of the children giving to others. The Aqua Roomers are going to make the world a better place.
That’s so nice, Liz. Thank you!
You’re welcome, Jennie!
You are always great about teaching your students a little history and patriotism, Jennie. One of the things I miss the most is running into students like Eddie away from school. It used to crack me up when a student would see me in the grocery store and make a big deal about me being there. The other shoppers would look at me, thinking, “Am I supposed to know this guy? He doesn’t look famous to me.” 😊
yes we need more teachers like you happy holidays
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Yes!! I love when that happens at the store. Have you had it happen at a restaurant? Oh, what a fuss. 😍 Thank you, Pete.
This is precious. Thank you for lightening my day, Jennie.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Jacqui. Have a great weekend.
A beautiful lesson, Jennie.
Thank you, John.
How wonderful, Jennie. I’ve said it before but American nationalism always amazes me.
Thank you, Robbie. I feel it pulls people together and gives children valuable lessons.
That’s amazing.. what a beautiful flag they made !! ❤️❤️
Thank you!
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Thank you!
This is so sweet:)
Awwww…. That is just so sweet! So lovely of you to do this activity with them.
Thank you, Kally!
A moving post Jennie. They are never too young to learn about sacrifice ❤
Thank you, Debby. I was moved at the event, and so were the officers. Children can understand giving and sacrifice. ❤️
Absolutely! ❤
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A lovely, lovely article…
Thank you, Sarah!
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Thank you!