First-graders send thanks to troops in Iraq

By Brenda Sexton

The Courier-Herald

Almost daily after the flag salute, Sunrise Elementary School first-grade teacher Diane Kitz' students talk about the freedom they have in America and how thankful they are they can wear the clothes they want, eat the food they like and have the opportunity to come to school and learn.

So when Veterans Day rolled around in November, Kitz thought it was a perfect time to elaborate on those thoughts.

After an all-school assembly where Principal Chris Beals read the moving story &#8220The Wall” by Eve Bunting, Kitz and her class talked about the men and women who fight for freedom. The class also read a poem and discussed the meaning of each line. And they wrote letters to soldiers.

This is not the first year Kitz' students have tackled such a writing project.

&#8220I have very thoughtful students and I think it’s important they put their feelings or questions in writing,” Kitz said. &#8220I never really know what to expect when I ask them to write to the soldiers, but I am usually quite surprised by their insight and thoughtfulness. This year was no different.”

&#8220Dear Soldier,” wrote one student. &#8220Thank you for risking your lives for us. I enjoy freedom in America. You are brave. I wish that you were here. Some of you died. But you saved us. From Tori.”

&#8220Dear Soldiers,” started another. &#8220Thank you for helping us to have freedom. I hope you are OK. Now I hope you defeat the other Air Force. Thank you for helping us. Good thing you are brave. From Andrew.”

&#8220Soldiers,” wrote yet another. &#8220Thank you for everything and fighting the wars. You risked your life for us. I am saved now because you fought for me. You were really, really brave. Love. Emma.”

Kitz said many of the letters were so sincere, she wanted to share them. She bundled them up and sent them to the local Veterans of Foreign Wars organization where they arrived in the hands of District 11 Commander Elmer Holmquist, who, to Kitz' surprise, is forwarding them to United States troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

&#8220Being the VFW, we are not only a Veterans organization, but a family organization,” Holmquist said. &#8220We thought it would be nice. Some of these are really good.”

Brenda Sexton can be reached at bsexton@courierherald.com.