Patriotic performance: Eden Elementary students visit veterans home
Published 2:45 pm Friday, February 12, 2016
- Some of the songs the children performed included choreography. This is the third years the students have done this program at the veterans home. Photo by Kristen Dale.
Around 90 Eden Elementary Schools first graders took a trip to the Colonel Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home in Pell City, on Friday, Feb. 12. The students, joined by their teachers performed an ensemble of patriotic songs and poems for the crowd of veterans.
This program was in recognition of the student’s 100th day of class. Every year, the first grade teachers hold a community service project in celebration of that achievement, encouraging students to use their time and resources to brighten someone else’s day.
This is the third year the first graders have held their 100th day celebration at the veterans home. The decision to focus on the veteran’s home was due in part to one of the teachers, Chrestie Thatch, being the daughter of a veteran.
“My dad was a Marine, so honoring our veterans is something that is really close to my heart,” Thatch said. “It’s something I want to pass on to my students, and make sure that they never forget how all of our veterans have sacrificed.”
Accompanied by first grade teacher Carla Callahan on the piano, the five classes performed from a set list including The Star Spangled Banner, This Land is Your Land, You’re a Grand Old Flag, and more.
“Personally, I am so patriotic,” Callahan said. “That’s something I really encourage my kids to be and to be proud of our country and those who have served it. This program is a way for them to express that gratitude.”
Following their performances, students gave each veteran a handmade card, thanking them for their service.
In addition to the program, students were delivering gifts to the veteran’s home. Students have spent the last few weeks gathering items to donate to the veteran’s home. Things like body wash, cookies, and other small gifts were given and will be used as prizes for the resident’s bingo games.
In total, the students donated over 900 items to the veteran’s home.
“We love how involved our kids get in this program,” Thatch said. “We want to honor our veterans and it is incredible to see the kids love on them when we do this program.”
