Tributes to the Brave Reflections of students at Heard Elementary School on Nellis Air Force Base
As a Memorial Day tribute, fifth graders at Heard Elementary School on Nellis Air Force Base were asked to write their thoughts on freedom, military service and the war in Iraq. Of the 64 essays and poems submitted by students of Kimberlee Whetham, Erin Berger, Marlene Westphal and Amy Rannazzisi, the teachers selected the top eight to be published in the Review-Journal on May 25, 2003. They are posted first here, and the other 56 essays are posted on following pages. Heard principal Danny Kilgore coordinated the project.
(Untitled) By Joshua Brown
When I think of military I don't just think of war; I think of all the sacrifices that people have made. This includes the sacrifices of their families. I should know. My Dad is in the U.S. Air Force.
Imagine being a child that doesn't get to see his or her dad or mom for a whole year, just because they're deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan or somewhere in the Persian Gulf. Also, think about the soldiers that don't get to see their children and spouses for 12 months. They put their life on the line every day for our country to have freedom, liberty, and justice for all! Also think about being a soldier, being surrounded by bullets flying through the air, bombs falling from the sky, forty AK-47's pointed straight at you and all you have is an M-16 in your hands, and you're doing it just to serve your country, to feed and have a roof over your family's head! Our soldiers are strong, bold, brave, and willing to die for our country and at least in my lifetime will always be remembered!
Well, I guess nothing can last for ever though, you see, in about one month my Dad, Captain Mel D. Brown, after 20 years, will be retiring from the U.S. Air Force, but I will still remember all soldiers that serve and die for this country!
What the troops in Iraq have done for us By Shelby Campbell
The troops have done a lot for both the U.S. and Iraq. They help with Iraq by helping them arrange a better government. Saddam Hussein was not very helpful in this process. They first helped by pulling down Saddam's statue.
People cheered when it crashed to the ground. I know this because I was watching the news while it happened.
The U.S. administration says it aims to set up an interim government by the end of May. (BBC News) They have helped the U.S. by making sure our country is safe. I'm thankful for everything they do. But I am most thankful that we are at peace with Iraq all because of them.
I feel so bad for those families that lost someone. We all really owe them a lot because of what they have done for us. My best friend's dad went to Iraq. We all have been hoping and praying that he comes home safe.
I am also thankful that people sent food and clothes to the Iraqis. They should be very proud of themselves. I'm glad that my country pitched in to help Iraq even though we were supposed to be at war with them. I know that this is something I will remember my whole life.
(Untitled) By Patricia Cenidoza
My thoughts about the men and women who served our country are how proud I am that they are helping our country and doing their best to serve our country even if it is going to steal their lives.
They also want to do whatever it takes like if the war lasts for years or if its overseas like Baghdad or Afganistan. Some families feel worry. I think they are just doing what's right and the president is doing what he can. I think the men and women should be proud of what they had done for the last few months and even the men and women who fought in other wars back then for freedom against the British.
I also think it's sometimes scary for those who are overseas, like being away from their home and families these last few months overseas. I also think the men and women there never give up and they always are ready to fight for their country any time, whether it's cold or hot in any place they go they always do what is right for their country and everyone is counting on them whether they're fighting for freedom or in Baghdad fighting for whatever it takes.
SOLUTIONS By Sarah Dineen
S is for Standing up and believing that we can achieve
O is for Our freedom in our country
L is for Love to all who have lost
U is for United which we've always been
T is for Trusting people even if they ruin their first chance
I is for our Inteligence about others in the world
O is for our Oaths which we will always keep
N is for Nations for which we care and love
S is for Staying strong no matter what we all go through.
T is for Talking to others about what you're going through
O is for Odds which we've always had.
T is for Trying to do what we can to help
H is for Heroes who fight for us around the world
E is for education on what's happening in the world.
W is for Wanting no more wars
A is for Always believing in what's right
R is for Rights all around the world.
What The Troops Have Done For This Country By Kyle Green
This country has been in 10 wars (11 including the one we're in now). The wars are the American Revolution War, the War of 1812, Mexican American War, the Civil War, the Spanish American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, Desert Storm War, and we are in the Iraqi Freedom War now.
The United States Army, Air Force, Marines and Navy have been in most of those wars and have won every single one. The troops have risked their lives for our lives and our country.
People have died in war and will die in other wars forever. But if they die it is for us and for our country. When you think that nobody likes you, always remember that a whole bunch of people have died for you and your safety.
It is important to respect people in the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marines cause if they get deployed they literally are risking their lives to save your life.
My mom and dad were both in the Army for three years and werehave both been in Desert Storm. Right now my mom is in the Air Force and has been for 14 years and is going to be promoted to lieutenant colonel in June. She says she will most likely get deployed in September. I will be scared if she goes but I know if she goes that she is going for a great reason and that is to protect our country and the people in it.
WAR HAS A PURPOSE By Brett Owen
You are sitting safe at home, your dad is in Baghdad and you start to think, "Why do we have wars?"
Well, the reason we have wars is because we have to. If we didn't go to war we probably wouldn't be here right now. Just think, if we didn't go to the Civil War, we might still have slavery. And our country would be split in two. If we didn't have the Revolutionary War, there wouldn't be such a thing as the United States of America! Just imagine what would've happened if we didn't go to the war in Afghanistan and Iraq. We would have been attacked with dangerous weapons.
That would be pretty scary. So don't feel bad that your dad is in the war. You should feel proud and say, "Wow! My dad is a hero. He'll risk his life to defend our country."
(Untitled) By Victoria Pereira
My thoughts about the men and women fighting for our country are very concentrated on what they do.
Some of them go overseas and some deal with the problems here in America. Some people, like my dad, teach people how to shoot a gun properly and how to use each kind of gun. Then after they know how, they either stay here or they go overseas. What the people in the military do takes a lot of courage to do what they do for America. They're willing to serve the country and they never quit either.
Sometimes they probably have to work all night like my dad; sometimes he doesn't come home till six in the morning.
When a kid's mom or dad goes overseas they might feel alone or sad, because they might really miss their mom or dad.
What people do for this country is just magnificent. Every day they get up and go off to work. Sometimes they have to start at 4 a.m. I know that the people in the military are just willing to serve America every single day. That's all I have to say about the people serving America.
THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE FOUGHT FOR AMERICA By Christine Weber
For years we've stood up so tall,
To ensure freedom for one and all.
I love this nation day and night,
And for this land I'll stand and fight.
When my dad had to go far away,
He fought for America every day.
With all the love that I had,
I showed it towards my hero, Dad.
The flag unfurls way up high,
To show its beauty towards the sky.
I'm proud it stands for you and me,
For where we live is the land of the free.
I hope this war, will at last,
Become a mere shadow in the past.
For when I look over, and again see,
I'll remember the men who have fought for ME.
(Untitled)
What the troops in Iraq have done for us
(Untitled)
SOLUTIONS
What The Troops Have Done For This Country
WAR HAS A PURPOSE
(Untitled)
THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE FOUGHT FOR AMERICA
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