Student Share Veterans Day Thoughts, Attend Ceremonies

 

November 16, 2022

Veterans Day celebrations were held all across Blaine County including all four school Districts in Hays/Lodge Pole, Chinook, Turner and Harlem. Celebrations were also held at Fort Belknap Agency including a Veterans Powwow. The Title VI/Indian Studies held a Veteran's Day meal for Veteran's at Harlem High School. Turnout was good and the National Honor Society and Indian Club Students as well as other students helped with the decorating, prepping and serving of the meal.

Kendal Harwood, Montana History/Science teacher at Chinook Junior/Senior High School, asked a few of his students their thoughts regarding Veterans Day and what it meant to them, here are their responses.

Evan Davies - Grade 8: Veterans Day is very important to me because I have several relatives that served the country. My great grandpa fought in World War 2 and was one of my family's great friends from New York. I have more family members that had something to do with the past wars. I am very glad there is a day that we can celebrate all the people that protected this great country.

Kiley Huravitch - Grade 8: To me veterans' day is a remembrance of all veterans not just those who have given their life but those who are in the service now and retired. I respect one retired veteran overall and that is Perry Miller, Perry is a Chinook high-school gr.duate. He is not only a retired veteran, but he is our Judge, my wrestling coach. I thank Perry Miller for everything! Love you papa, Kiley

Carter Alisch - Grade 8: I think this day is one of the most important days of the year. All of my grandpas served in the military, and I think we need to remember and honor all of our veterans that sacrificed their lives to serve this country.

Harwood had another student; eighth grader Kaidence Unruh submit an essay to him, here is what she wrote:

What it Means to be a Good American - In order to be a good American, I believe you should do things that include the community, participation, responsibility, and acceptance.

Community - I participate in Girl Scouts. Around 3 times a month, we go around to make a change in the community. Last time we met up, we helped make blankets for those sheltered in cars who had no homes. You don't even have to be a part of a group. You could just give away food for a food drive or donate clothes to the less fortunate. All of these things can be examples.

Participation - If you are old enough to vote, I believe you should. We all get a say in voting for who you want to govern the state or become the President. There is a 50-50 chance that you could be stuck with someone you are somewhat unhappy with. When you vote, I understand the person you vote for doesn't always win. If that happened, you should still acknowledge that person and think about why everyone voted for them. What are the good outcomes?

Responsibility - As an American citizen, we are given privileges that we should respect. One privilege we get is the allowance to own a firearm. However, we should not take advantage of situations like these to get back at someone for something they did, or just to get a little cash. I trust that we should be using firearms only for hunting, shooting ranges/enjoyment, and self-defense. For self-defense, understand that it is not standard to carry around firearms without being given proper permission.

Acceptance - In America, there are many different races, religions/beliefs, and opinions. Just because someone thinks that everyone should be Christian, you don't have to agree. You are allowed an opinion, but that doesn't mean you have to overrule theirs. Acceptance is one of the traits of our country. In the Pledge of Allegiance, "-indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." we can't be divided by race, or religion. Even though you aren't the same, you should accept the fact that there is no way to change their minds. Liberty is freedom, and the ability to do what you feel right, within reason, is freedom.

Community, responsibility, participation, and acceptance. I believe that all of these examples are needed in order to be a good American.

Emily Scofield, fourth grade teacher at Meadowlark elementary in Chinook had her kids write open letters to Veterans and they were pretty touching. Here are a few of her students' letters:

Janna Snedigar: Dear Veterans, Thank you for everything you did. Thank you for keeping us safe. Thank you for your service. Thank you for fighting for our country. Thank you for everything you have done for this world.

Tyrus: Dear Veteran, Thank you for the service and helping us with fighting and hoping that people say thank you and remember, Help People.

Mariah: Dear Veteran, thank you for your service in America. thank you for fighting and defending our country for many years. Keep it up and keep working hard. Don't forget why you served. Keep on going, you are the best. Keep doing it. It doesn't matter if you have retired, you still matter to me. You still fought; you are the best!

Ashtyn DePriest: Thank you for saving America which is our country. Thank you for putting your life on the line for us. You guys are so brave, thank you for all you do.

Tyson: Dear Veteran, Thank you for fighting for our country. thank you for defending our county. Thank you for your service.

 
 

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