With Veterans Day just around the corner, third graders at St. Brigid School in Portland have been using their artistic talents to make greeting cards that express their appreciation for those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
The greeting card project, an annual endeavor, coincided this year with New England Catholic Schools Week and was part of St. Brigid School's efforts to honor our nation, the special focus of one of the days during the week. Appropriately, the day also coincided with Election Day.
Over the years, the cards have been sent to various veterans and veterans' organizations, but this year, they will be given to some of the students' relatives who served in the military. Mikey's uncle, for instance, served for 40 years in the U.S. Air Force.
Another student, Chase, has an uncle who served in the U.S. Navy.
In addition to writing greeting cards, students at St. Brigid are participating in Operation Shoebox, a project which delivers care packages to U.S. troops. Each class is collecting different items for the boxes, with third graders contributing something practical – razors – and a treat – Twizzlers.
Mary Ellen White, a third-grade teacher at St. Brigid, said it is important for the students to appreciate the freedom that we have in the United States and to express their gratitude to the men and women who have defended liberty here and around the globe.
As part of the school's patriotic celebration, students, staff, and teachers were encouraged to dress in red, white, and blue for the day.