On Wednesday, November 11, Immanuel Lutheran School hosted a Salute to Veterans. In recognition and honor of all who have served our nation in our Armed Forces, including many within the Immanuel community, the school welcomed veterans and their families to the school for a Veterans Day program.
In the morning, the community hosted a breakfast for veterans, generously sponsored by Elizabeth Lucchesi with McEnearney Realtors, while students participated in a program including patriotic songs, sharing some family histories of service, and remarks from Miss Clevenger on the beauty of history and why we study our shared history.
Students and families had been invited to share photos of family members and friends who had served (and continue to serve) in our military, and during the morning, each class came to the undercroft to display their photos. More than 150 photos were shared for the project, representing every branch of our United States Military, and connecting our students to veterans as far back as 1675!
Our ILS community has been represented by family and friends who have served all over the world, including:
· France, during WWI
· Both Europe and Pacific theaters during WWII
· Korea
· Vietnam
· Persian Gulf
· Iraq
· Afghanistan
Our families have been stationed across the United States and around the world. Our veterans have flown planes, parachuted from planes, been stationed on ships and submarines, landed planes on aircraft carriers, completed underwater dives, and many other acts. They have served as chaplains, doctors, nurses, dentists, dental assistants, lawyers, pilots, aerial observers, firemen, engineers, clerks and more. Through their bravery and service, these men and women have been awarded Purple Hearts, Air Medals, Bronze Stars, Silver Stars, and Distinguished Flying Crosses, among other honors and recognitions.
“At ILS, we are proud to have so many moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, spouses and others in our community who have served and continue to serve our nation,” said ILS Headmaster, Julia Habrecht. “In honor of all of these men and women, we decided to spend Veterans Day showing our appreciation and gratitude for their service and sacrifice. It was wonderful to see our students engaging with our veterans and learning from their exemplary service.”
Following the morning breakfast and program, veterans visited in each classroom for an opportunity to speak with students and share their experiences and answer student questions. Classes learned about the branches of the military, the United States Constitution, flying fighter jets, submarines, and espionage.
The Salute to Veterans program also kicked off the ILS Annual Day of Service, which will take place on Tuesday, November 24th. This year, ILS is partnering with the Fisher House Foundation. Fisher Houses provide military families housing close to a loved one during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury. ILS students will be helping to create a children’s library for families staying at an area Fisher House. Families are invited to join us on Tuesday, November 17th after school at Hooray for Books in Old Town Alexandria as we select books for our project!