Three of Plainfield's four elementary schools began the day with school-wide parades of local heroes: veterans and active duty service-people, and first responders. And the fourth will hold their ceremony at the end of the day (look for that post later this evening).
Patriot Day 2017 marks sixteen years since the world, as today's adults knew it, changed forever. But for schoolchildren, this is a history lesson. Some may have heard stories from family members who were personally affected, but for many, the stories come from their teachers and classroom lessons. One way to bring history to life, though, is to invite it into the school. And that is what Brentwood, Central and Van Buren have done.
Starting last year, Central invited first responders and relatives of students who have, or are, serving in the military to participate in the school's first "High Five for Heroes." Again this year, led by Central Boy Scouts carrying the flag, the honored guests walked through the hallways where they were greeted by students waving flags and thanking them for their service.
The program spread to Brentwood and Van Buren this year, where the students and teachers enthusiastically honored their guests with applause, signs and more high fives.
It's hard to tell who enjoyed the morning's activities the most: those being honored, or the ones doing the honoring. It was powerful for everyone involved.
