Teach students importance of Veterans Day in schools

A message for all teachers:

My wife and I had a total of more than 72 years working in public schools. Because of that, I think I have an idea of your work load.

I am also a veteran of the United States Navy, 1952-1956. I will assume that you know that without veterans there would be no United States. I will also assume that you know that our country is in serious trouble. Some might say that we are on the edge of our own demise.

Perhaps more than any other professional group, teachers are in a position to help our nation survive whatever crisis we might be in. How? Prepare your students to understand the contributions of and the value of all veterans on Veterans Day.

Please remember that a student cannot learn what the student is not taught. Do not confuse Nov. 11 with Memorial Day. The latter is only to recognize the dead. Veterans Day recognizes all veterans.

Perhaps the easiest thing to do for any teacher/school is to invite one or more veterans to speak with your students. Perhaps a staff member is a veteran and certainly there are numerous veterans within your community.

Please do not hesitate to contact any military organization for assistance, such as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, or any other. As a last resort, I invite you to contact me and I will do my very best to assist you in any possible way.

Please remember that on Nov. 11, everyone should attend a Veterans Day service. Thank you and God bless America.

This story was originally published October 19, 2016 at 4:18 PM with the headline "Teach students importance of Veterans Day in schools."