Caribou Middle School, Grade 6
On Tuesday, Feb. 9, the sixth-grade students of Caribou Middle School took a field trip to the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) building in Caribou to interview local veterans. The trip, announced in January, takes place each year for the sixth-graders of Caribou.
Contributed photo
Local veterans shared their thoughts and answered lots of questions pertaining to their military service when they hosted a group of sixth-grade students from the Caribou Middle School. The students had a chance to interview the veterans who generously shared their opinions on the freedom of America and what it means. The students also had a chance to enjoy a pizza lunch with their new friends.
The students were split into groups, and each group was assigned a veteran. The students were then given 25 questions to ask their veteran and each took turns asking them. The veterans each brought scrapbooks, souvenirs and anything that they wanted to bring about, or from war to share with the students.
While half of the sixth-graders were interviewing the veterans, the other half took part in many other activities. These activities included learning about military gear, such as clothes, food, artillery, blankets, and goggles and foreign money including dollars, wons and yens. They were given hands-on activities with these objects, and were great at asking questions, a few of which stumped the veterans! The students took part in a flag folding ceremony and were spoken to about ranks and awards.
When the students get back to school, they will write an essay on veterans and war. They will include their thoughts and feelings about war, and their “veteran’s” opinion on the freedom of America.
Organized by the sixth-grade teachers of Caribou Middle School, this event was not only a great time, but was educational at the same time. The Caribou Middle School would like to thank the VFW members for being so generous.
This special event gave the students and teachers an appreciation for the sacrifices that these men and women make for their country, and a way to be thankful for the freedom that we have as U.S. citizens. The VFW is trying to do more social projects and events in the future, as to get more connected with the community.
At the end of the trip, the highlight of the students’ day was pizza. The VFW bought all sixth-graders a pizza lunch. The lunch was served by the Ladies Auxiliary. The pizza was delicious.
To many in the U.S., freedom is the power to do what we want, but to many veterans, freedom is truly the ability to come home to a family that loves you and to have no wars, or restrictions to overcome.
Freedom is very special to have and it is something that we should treasure forever.
Contributed photo
CMS sixth-graders made sure they were taking lots of notes as they interviewed area veterans during a special day in February. when students and veterans gathered at the Lister/Knowlton VFW sharing military stories and lunch.
