By Crystal Hayduk
Five hundred U.S. flags waved to passersby on McKinley Street over the long Veterans Day weekend. Every North Creek Elementary School student planted a personal “Old Glory” in an impressive display of patriotism to honor military personnel—past and present—for Veterans Day.
Encouraged by the leadership of Principal Casey Wescott, teachers and staff led Young 5s through second-grade students in activities related to Veterans Day.
Wescott said there were three objectives for the activities: students would participate schoolwide, the activities would connect students with the Chelsea community, and the students would show gratitude for the service of both veterans and those who currently serve in the military.
Accompanied by their teachers, students went out on Nov. 10, one grade level at a time, to place their flags along the road leading to North Creek. As the students placed the flags, some people driving by honked their horns in support, and walkers verbally expressed their appreciation for the exhibition, said Wescott.
In addition to the flag display, students made thank you cards and wrote notes for veterans or current military. Some of the cards were mailed to individuals who have a personal connection to a student or staff member.
Other cards were given to local businesses for delivery to veterans. Karen Rosentreter, Wescott’s administrative assistant, said posters were placed in local businesses that offer discounts to veterans. Veterans who frequented businesses with a poster were given a handmade thank you card from a student.
“Katie Whittaker, a kindergarten teacher, phoned businesses to find out which ones offered veterans discounts so we would know where to take the posters and cards,” said Rosentreter.
Uptown Coney Island was one of the businesses who received cards for distribution. Larry Vitale, the restaurant’s manager, said the veterans who received the thank you cards were thrilled to get them. “The kids did such a nice thing, and we were so honored to be a part of it,” he said.
Rosentreter, who has worked in the district for 25 years, said this is the first time such a celebration has taken place to her knowledge. “In a world that tends to forget, it was a great thing to let veterans know how much we appreciate them,” she said, with tears in her eyes.
On Nov. 13, after the flags flew for the extended weekend, the students collected them to be saved for what is hoped will become an annual event.
Wescott said, “I’m thankful for my North Creek staff being willing to add another thing to their already very full plates and to honor our veterans and military. [Honor and gratitude] are part of what makes us a great school.”
