It’s always a joy to receive an invitation from Dr. Amanda Capote, music teacher at North Plains Elementary, to one of the school’s patriotic programs. The latest was the school’s Veterans Day program, held at the end of the school day on November 6. Watching the students honor those who have served reminded me that building a patriot is an ongoing project—one shaped by music, gratitude, remembrance and respect.
Music Makes It All Happen
Dr. Capote’s programs combine popular songs with a patriotic flair and a red, white and blue atmosphere. During the program on Friday, November 6, she thanked her third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students for their dedication to learning nine different songs.
Northern Sentry reporter Nataly Zarrella, who has a student at North Plains Elementary, has written a story capturing the program’s highlights. For me, the event also prompted a more personal reflection: How did I develop my love for this country?
Learning What Service Means
I have always considered myself a patriot, but I have rarely stopped to think about how that love for my country—and for the symbols of democracy that are part of our foundation—took shape.
At the beginning of the Veterans Day program, a video featured short clips of famous Americans. Several veterans sat in the front row as distinguished visitors. The first clip showed President John F. Kennedy delivering his inaugural address in January 1961. I remembered watching that address live on a small black-and-white television in our classroom.
“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,” President Kennedy proclaimed. Other clips included President Ronald Reagan. In my journalism classes at the University of North Dakota, we studied these speeches and the messages they conveyed. I had to smile at the thought that I might be one of the few people in the assembly old enough to have witnessed those speeches when they were delivered.
Kennedy’s words took on particular meaning in a room where most of the audience consisted of active-duty military members and the veterans seated in the front row. They had answered the call. Wearing the uniform and serving the country is certainly one way to do what Kennedy asked of Americans. For those who do not serve in the military, recognizing those who do is another way to honor that spirit.
A Simple Thank You
One of the pleasures of being part of the Northern Sentry staff is spending time on Minot Air Force Base. When I meet people for the first time, I make a point of thanking them for their service. As time allows, I ask the Airmen checking IDs at the gates where they are from, then offer my thanks.
On Friday, Dr. Capote explained to the students that active-duty members and veterans had willingly served their country. She reminded them that a simple thank you lets veterans know they care. “Just a simple Thank You for your service” is all that is needed.
When the program ended, people lined up to shake hands with the veterans in attendance. That small act of gratitude was one more building block in the making of a patriot.
Respect for Our Country
Veterans Day honors all who have served their country in the Armed Forces. Like many Veterans Day services, this program included familiar ceremonies that express what the United States stands for and help the next generation learn respect for their country.
The Minot Air Force Base Honor Guard advanced the colors to the front of the gymnasium. I always admire their precision and the care they take in honoring our flag. The presentation of the United States flag is usually followed by the singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and the Pledge of Allegiance.
In a room full of active-duty military members, led by Col. Chapman, commander of the 91st Missile Wing, the students learned about respect. More importantly, they saw their parents standing at attention to honor the United States flag. That example was another important building block for our young patriots.
The Little White Table
Next, Col. Burrell, commander of the 5th Bomb Wing, took the stage to read “America’s White Table.” The book added another building block: remembering veterans who are missing in action.
For Col. Burrell, the event was special “because I have never really had the chance to attend an event like this when my kids were school age. I was flying or deployed and just not able to make it work. Today it worked and it was great!”
Building a Patriot Is an Ongoing Project
As I look back on my younger days, I think about the many opportunities I had to learn what it means to be a patriot. That learning did not happen in a single day, just as it cannot happen through one Veterans Day program each year.
Dr. Capote has created a powerful teaching event for young people. Every part of the program had meaning—each offered a teaching moment. The ceremonies, the words of past presidents, the handshakes and the remembrance of missing veterans all contributed to that lesson.
The music the children sing is the mortar between those patriotic building blocks. “God Bless the USA” and the songs in the Patriotic Finale create pride in our country and what we stand for.
The program’s overall theme, “Honoring All Who Served,” brought those lessons together. Each word carries meaning; together, they express the purpose of Veterans Day and the most important building block for our future patriots.
Rod’s Ramblins’
The Festival of Trees is just a week away…but that means that Thanksgiving is only 2 weeks away…how time flies.
The Festival of Trees is certainly a great community event. Dakota Hope Clinic has a lot of information on their web site festivaloftrees.com.
AND…The Downtown Christmas Open House is on the 27th of November, with the tree lighting, Christmas music with Chloe Rae and fireworks! Look for more information in the coming weeks.
Today’s Chuckle
Success is that delicate balance between getting along with people while trying to get ahead of them.
