Students Commemorate Veteran's Day 2004 in LTEF-funded Garden

Students at LMS "planted" hundreds of American flags in the flagpole garden funded by LTEF for Veteran's Day. In previous years, plantings honored September 11th victims. This year students honored veterans and the sacrifices made by those serving in the military.

The students of Lawrence Middle School commemorated Veteran's Day on November 11 in a ceremony that culminated at the school's flagpole garden which was funded by the Lawrence Township Education Foundation. The students learned the importance of honoring veterans and planted miniature American flags in the garden.

The program, organized by recently retired teacher Pam Nugent, gave students a deeper understanding of the sacrifices involved in military service. Veterans from World War II, the Vietnam War and the Gulf War addressed the students. A parent of a Middle School student who is currently serving in the military helped students appreciate the life of a soldier. Students also heard a presentation on flag etiquette.

Students then gathered around the flagpole garden outside the school. The garden was funded in 2001 by the Lawrence Township Education Foundation to honor those killed in the events of September 11. In the fall of 2002, students planted 3,042 daffodils - one for each victim of the terrorist attacks. This November 11th, the garden was "planted" with American flags - one for each of the students at the school. A moment of silence and the flags represented the students' desire to honor veterans and those now serving in the military. Students then formally retired the school flag and presented it to LMS principal Nancy Pitcher. Each student was also given a flag pin to commemorate the day. They were told that they could keep the pin, give it to a veteran, or give it to an adult with whom they would share their experience of the day.

The Lawrence Township Education Foundation is a not-for-profit volunteer organization that fosters educational excellence, creativity and achievement in the Lawrence Township Public Schools. For more information or to contribute, visit the LTEF web site at www.ltefnj.org or email info@ltefnj.org.