Veteran gives Helen Smith Elementary students lessons in patriotism

A retired Navy veteran has become an unofficial member of Helen Smith Elementary School over the past six years, volunteering there nearly every day.

Alan Peterson, a member of the William B. Keith Camp No. 12 of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, spends his days circulating the school at 7101 Pinedale Ave. to help students and teach them a little U.S. history.

"Our purpose is to perpetuate the memory of those who served in the Civil War," said Peterson, "and to teach patriotism. (Patriotism is) one of the things I've felt over the years that was not being taught in the schools. It's just not there."

Peterson and his Civil War group visit classrooms to teach students about the history and significance of the American flag and the differences between Veterans Day, Flag Day, Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day, among other topics.

Peterson quizzes students during lunch or recess on those same topics for a chance to win patriotic stickers and pencils. If students answer incorrectly, they can do research and get back to Peterson later with the answer.

Some kids are so eager, he said they approach him wanting to be asked questions.

Peterson, who served during the Cuban Missile Crisis, has become a fixture at the school. Students in one fourth-grade classroom have even assigned him a desk.

Peterson was working for a security company in 2005 when he first visited the school. The campus' portable classrooms did not have fire alarms, so Peterson would patrol them.

"I developed a relationship with the staff here at this school," he said. "They said come back anytime."

Peterson was invited to be a guest speaker at the school's ceremony for fifth-graders at the end of the school year, a role he has reprised ever since.

In his first year as a volunteer at the school, Peterson started a flag program for fifth-graders. Two students each week are responsible for taking down the flag after each school day, folding it and caring for it.

"It's becoming a staple in our school," said principal John Haynal. "Kids can't wait to be fifth-graders and take place in it. It's just to bring recognition back to the past.

"He's very patriotic," Haynal said of Peterson. "With his support, we do all these little things … a lot of little things that add up to kids having pride in their community and in their country."

Peterson also has helped to arrange for visits from actors portraying historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln and Benjamin Franklin.

Peterson and others in his Civil War group have visited the school for ceremonies dressed in Union attire to take photos with the kids, who also can dress in period attire.

The school hosted an after-school event last year in honor of Veterans Day, which included performances by local impersonators, school bands and orchestras, and poetry readings by students.

Canned goods were accepted for entry to the event and donated to local veterans groups in need.

The second annual tribute to veterans is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday at Johnson Junior High School, 7701 Ducharme Ave. Johnson invited the elementary school to host its event in the larger middle school gymnasium this year. Student groups from Johnson and Bonanza High School plan to perform along with other local entertainers.

Admission is $2 and two canned goods for adults and $1 and one canned good for kids. All proceeds will benefit local veterans.

For more information about the William B. Keith Camp No. 12 of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, visit suvpac.org/camp12.html.

Contact View education reporter Jeff Mosier at jmosier@viewnews.com or 224-5524.