If there’s one thing we do well at Robinson, it’s make memories!  (Wait, who am I kidding–we do so many things well!)  From the Halloween parade to the Holiday Sing-Along and the end-of-year staff vs. 5th grade kickball game–fun is part of our culture!   Besides fun, though, we know how to make meaningful memories, too.

Today was one such day.  🙂

It’s Veterans’ Day, and as we have for the last few years, we had a fabulous assembly planned—well Mrs. Kesler and her very talented cohort had a fabulous assembly planned–and our kiddos were a big part of it.  They have been working since August and this year it did not disappoint!

The day began in the gym, and once we were all settled, some 5th graders led in a procession of our guests of honor: veterans from every branch of the armed services.  I’d love to say I had a video of this, but I just couldn’t take one–partly because of logistics, partly because of respect, but mainly because I wouldn’t have been able to see the buttons on my iPad through the tears in my eyes.  Our kids gave a standing ovation while they came in, and sang a medley of all of the branches’ songs.  Very powerful.

Then, in turn, each grade level shared a special patriotic song they’d been preparing with Mrs. Kesler in music.  I know I’m a little biased, but first grade may have been the best (don’t tell my 2nd grader!).  Here’s their performance (get ready–it’s pretty great!):

The rest of the program was very special and included many other songs, as well as videos with words of wisdom from some of our visiting veterans.   🙂

We had some conversations in our classroom as well, and wrote letters to some important veterans in our lives.   Mr. Raeber, Nate’s dad, and Mr. Wehrle, Amelia’s grandpa, were both in attendance for our special day and so we wanted to make sure we said our thank yous in a special way.  Check out our kiddos’ kind words:

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I didn’t get to catch Amelia and Mr. Wehrle because they were at the reception following the ceremony, but I did get to snap a sweet picture of Nate and his dad outside our classroom.  Mr. Raeber was in the Navy for 24 years!  Thank you for your service, sir!  We appreciate you!

A couple of other sweet things happened during our day that I just had to capture and share, too. 🙂  Kylie came in this morning telling me about a special locket she had that held pictures of her grandfather who was a veteran, but who had passed away recently.  Her mom had pinned that locket to her sleeve, and so he was here with us, today, too.  Wow.

Later on, after our assembly during Writer’s Workshop, kiddos were brainstorming how they could include Veterans’ Day topics in their work.  Millie was inspired to write a song. 🙂  Darn it–I should have gotten her to sing it.  Instead, I just have the lyrics–written on a flag!

What a great day of celebration and remembrance!  🙂

How did you celebrate Veterans’ Day?