Whittier highlights veterans' interviews

Thanks to veterans from the Narrows Glen senior living center in Tacoma, the students, staff and family members at Whittier Elementary School celebrated Veterans Day a little differently. The Nov. 10 assembly involved fifth graders interviewing and videotaping the veterans to get a better understanding of Veterans Day through the veterans’ experiences. The students produced a slide-show introducing the veterans at the assembly, and later showed a short 17-minute video highlighting the veterans’ stories and students’ reflection of the process.

This special assembly featured the Curtis High School Navy ROTC drill team, the national anthem and a special deaf signing interpretation during the Pledge of Allegiance. The Whittier choir sang a medley of military songs from each branch of the armed services while recognizing the veterans during the playing of their respective song. The choir also sang a special touching rendition of “Flanders Fields,” based on the famous poem by John McCrae. The song was accompanied by a slideshow illustrating the words, including scenes from Tacoma’s Veterans Memorial Park. The finale included the entire first-grade class with the choir singing “Thank A Vet.”

The students involved in the interview project passed out paper poppies to the veterans to commemorate the event. Many thanks must go to Laurie Burns, music specialist, and Jackie Kleiner, activity director at Narrows Glen, but especially to the veterans for all they have done and continue to do for our country!