Freedom Walk 2013

Last year, I was asked to consider joining the PTA board and heading up one of the activities. I immediately knew which one I would want to tackle if I did it. Our school does a nice Freedom Walk on Sept. 11th each year, but I always thought it could be more. After talking/begging my bestie, Kari, to sign on to do it with me, we agreed! We had a vision of making the "walk" more of a patriotic event. The walks of years past consisted of the kids wearing red, white, and blue and walking to patriotic music in a circle around the lot. It was more of a parade. We decided to add a school-wide assembly and live music. We had an essay contest and some very special guests in attendance, too. Looking back, it probably wasn't the best idea to take on such an event right after moving, but who knew that was going to happen!? Not me! ;).

There was a lot of prep work involved, the kids all dressed up as different Community Heroes by grade. First graders were firemen.

Third graders represented the Navy.

Cards for our special guests

A huge thanks to the W. K. Singleton Pipes and Drums!! These folks were amazing!

How adorable! I loved seeing how the different classes chose to represent their heroes :)

Mrs. Foreman's firemen!

sweet Kallen

My hero, my daddy <3 p="">

Love!

After the K-2 classes walked, they all made their way to the bus circle and were joined by 3-5. In my time at AES, there has never been an assembly where ALL the students were present at the same time. We were so excited to be able to have everyone there together!

Mayor Wissman, Mrs. Gore, and the winners of the essay contest.

The Color Guard

The flag folding ceremony. These men are amazing, and this was a definite highlight of the assembly. The interesting thing about planning an event like this, is that it might all sound good on paper, but until it is lived out you have no clue how it will really be. This was one of those things that we waffled on in the planning stages because we weren't sure if the timing would work and we weren't sure the kids would be interested. Boy, we could not have been more wrong. 

The kids were still as mice during the whole event, and more than a few adults shared with us how heartfelt and moving this particular part of the ceremony was. I, myself, could not hold back the tears.

We were so honored to have a WWII veteran speak to the children, and several other special guests as well.

After the assembly, it was time for the 3-5 kids to walk. 

My sweet sailor!

Mrs. Raney's Sailors!

Kinley trying to tame the wild man

Love this girl!

What an amazing opportunity, we met some truly fantastic people and are already brainstorming more ideas for next year. On a day that has such a tragic history, we were able to remember our fallen heroes, and thank the heroes who serve our community. I hope that our youth will be able to understand the importance of loving their country and having pride in our history and future.