 Schrader has made a mission of visiting area schools on a regular
basis and speaking to them about veterans and the United States
flag.The afternoon began with Principal David Welch explaining
that he understood some of the kids might be disappointed that they
were in school while others in the area were not. But he told them
the good thing about being in class on Veterans Day was the chance
to learn about and observe the day as a group.
Schrader opened by telling the students that in the very earliest
days of this observance, it was called Armistice Day. The day was
called such as recognition of the end of World War I. Schrader said
World War I had just barely ended when World War II began. As a
result, the day was renamed to recognize all wars and conflicts in
which the United States has been a part in its 200-year history.
Schrader then moved on to talk with the students about respect
and patriotism. He urged kids to show respect and appreciation for
veterans, for our country and for the flag.
He talked about things they should do to show their respect, such
as holding their hands over their hearts when they say the Pledge of
Allegiance to the flag. He said the action showed love and respect
for the flag, and it was disappointing to see adults who no longer
take that step.
He also talked about people removing their hats during the
national anthem and at other patriotic events. He said taking the
hat off during the pledge or the anthem was another show of respect.
He told the students they could be a good influence on everyone by
doing these things. He also suggested that when they see people who
are not showing respect, they speak up and ask them to do what is
proper.
Schrader reminded the students that veterans were the ones who
have protected their freedom and their rights, and they deserve to
be appreciated. He said that because of veterans who have served in
wars and conflicts throughout the nation's history, people today
have freedom of choice.
Among the things Schrader shared with the students was a poem
written years ago by a Carroll Catholic sixth-grader, Katherine
Boss.
Included in the poem were these words:
(Excerpt)
We remember all the
veterans who fought for never claimed glory
Who never got to tell their story
Who left their
families and their home
The glory of their country shown
For those that have
perished
The lives that we cherished
We remember all the
veterans who fought in the past
Are home with their families at last
How their hearts
are still sore
when they think of those days of war.
Schrader also talked to the students about respecting and
honoring the flag and read the following poem by Howard Schnauber:
I AM THE FLAG OF
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
By Howard Schnauber
I am the flag of
the United States of America.
My name is "Old Glory."
I fly atop the world's tallest buildings.
I stand watch in America's halls of justice.
I fly majestically over institutions of learning.
I stand guard with power in the world.
Look up and see me.
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 I stand for peace,
honor, truth and justice.
I stand for freedom.
I am confident.
I am arrogant.
I am proud.
When I am flown
with my fellow banners,
My head is a little higher,
My colors a little truer.
I bow to no one!
I am recognized all over the world.
I am worshipped -- I am saluted.
I am loved -- I am revered.
I am respected -- and I am feared.
I have fought in
every battle of every war
for more then 200 years.
I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg,
Shiloh and Appomattox.
I was there at San Juan Hill,
the trenches of France,
in the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome
and the beaches of Normandy, Guam,
Okinawa, Korea, and Vietnam.
I was there. I led
my troops.
I was dirty, battle-weary and tired,
but my soldiers cheered me
And I was proud.
I have been burned,
torn and trampled
on the streets of countries I have helped set free.
It does not hurt, for I am invincible.
I have been soiled
upon, burned, torn
and trampled on the streets of my country.
And when it's by those whom I've served in battle -- it hurts.
But I shall overcome -- for I am strong.
I have slipped the
bonds of Earth
and stood watch over the uncharted frontiers of space
from my vantage point on the moon.
I have borne silent witness
to all of America's finest hours.
But my finest hours are yet to come.
When I am torn into
strips
and used as bandages
for my wounded comrades on the battlefield,
When I am flown at half-mast to honor my soldier,
Or when I lie in the trembling arms
of a grieving parent at the grave of their fallen son or daughter,
I am proud.
MY NAME IS "OLD
GLORY".
LONG MAY I WAVE.
DEAR GOD IN HEAVEN,
LONG MAY I WAVE.
Schrader wrapped up his presentation by leading the students in a
round of "God bless America."
Afterward, Gary Hughes was on hand with a table display of items
from his days in the military. Hughes served in Vietnam. After the
assembly, children were given the opportunity to look at the
display, which included Hughes dress uniform, and then asked
questions of the Vietnam veteran.
[By NILA SMITH]
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