We had a Veteran's Day assembly at my school. Students filed into bleachers and waited to bear witness to this event that got them out of class.
Our keynote speaker was a former principal, dean, and teacher. He's now on the school board. He gave a speech that had to tread carefully among the still-raw nerves of the public after having heard how the vote or new President turned out. In the audience were also our Mayor, school Superintendent, and a couple of State Representatives, as well as many decorated veterans, police, fire, and EMT first responders.
The speech encouraged the students to serve each other. It gave specific ways to be a friend, help those who need it, and to respect the school by cleaning up the halls. There is a sense of entitlement in society. The Students have it. They see it every day at home. It is evident in the way the parents park along the yellow bus lanes because they feel they are important enough to bypass the rules. It is evident in how few students say thank you when you hold the door for them. It is evident in how many blatantly wear shorts too short, have open drinks in their lockers that spill on the carpet, or gum, or snacks, and generally make a mess that they feel they do not have to pick up.
The best part about the Veteran's Day program is that soldiers, police, fire, EMTs, and other first responders are given honor. They are seen as heroes, not killers. I know that is a perspective, but in light of all the negativity, we need some positive perspective.
Our keynote speaker was a former principal, dean, and teacher. He's now on the school board. He gave a speech that had to tread carefully among the still-raw nerves of the public after having heard how the vote or new President turned out. In the audience were also our Mayor, school Superintendent, and a couple of State Representatives, as well as many decorated veterans, police, fire, and EMT first responders.
The speech encouraged the students to serve each other. It gave specific ways to be a friend, help those who need it, and to respect the school by cleaning up the halls. There is a sense of entitlement in society. The Students have it. They see it every day at home. It is evident in the way the parents park along the yellow bus lanes because they feel they are important enough to bypass the rules. It is evident in how few students say thank you when you hold the door for them. It is evident in how many blatantly wear shorts too short, have open drinks in their lockers that spill on the carpet, or gum, or snacks, and generally make a mess that they feel they do not have to pick up.
The best part about the Veteran's Day program is that soldiers, police, fire, EMTs, and other first responders are given honor. They are seen as heroes, not killers. I know that is a perspective, but in light of all the negativity, we need some positive perspective.
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