Cathleen Allison/Nevada Appeal Pearl Harbor survivor Rolan Peachee, 90, and his wife, Evelyn, look through the placards displayed at Carson Middle School on Thursday afternoon. CMS students interviewed area veterans and created the placards to tell their stories and honor them as part of the annual Veteran's Day celebration.
It was a history lesson these students could have read about in a book.
But Carson Middle School eighth-grade teachers Kathy Dilger and Ananda Campbell offered a lesson plan of hands-on history.
A Flag Retirement Ceremony/Veterans Day Commemoration was held Thursday as a way to honor veterans in the community.
"We had a luncheon several weeks ago for local veterans and at that time held an interview process for the students," said Dilger, a history teacher. Campbell is an English teacher.
More than 100 veterans witnessed the care students took in presenting the flag-folding ceremony. As the 13 folds were made, students recited the meaning of each fold.
"It was good for me," Tabitha Howk, 13, said. "I got to know our history and learned about their (veterans') time.
"It was pretty neat learning about them. Not a lot of people have the courage to do that - fight in a war and not know if you'll be alive the next day."
Tabitha interviewed U.S. Navy veteran Thomas Goodson, who served from 1967-1971 aboard the USS Midway as an aviation boatswain mate, third class. Goodson said it surprised him Tabitha asked about his military history.
"Being a Vietnam vet you don't get asked too much about your service," Goodson said. "I was quite honored. Tabitha was very respectful and a nice young girl."
Albeit surprised, Goodson said it's important events like Thursday's ceremony at Carson Middle School happen.
"Not to honor the sacrifice, but more to remember why we have our freedoms," he said. "People sometimes forget how they got their freedoms.
"But this project is tremendous. It gives you some faith in our youth again. The part of the ceremony that got to me was the flag folding - I only knew there were 13 folds, but didn't know each had a meaning."
The ceremony, presented by more than 130 students, included music throughout performed by the Red Hot Bell Peppers, CMS wind ensemble, student speakers reading songs, and an original poem written by student Sarah Robinson titled "Bravery." Sgt. 1st Class Michael Connell of the Nevada Army National Guard in Carson City performed "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes.
Other teachers assisting with the project were Eric Atkinson and Wade Greenlee. In addition to the vets, the event was attended by more than 200 people.
Navy veteran Howard Spreeman also attended the ceremony.
"It gets to my heart to see how wonderful these kids are," Spreeman said. "It's refreshing. It was wonderful."
The students' written interviews with veterans were placed on placards and displayed on the front lawn of the school.
"I'm so proud of my kids," Dilger said after the ceremony. "They really stepped up.
"Sometimes I think when we look at the news we see negative stories about the youth of our country. These are some great kids who appreciate the sacrifices others have made. They wanted show their appreciation and they did it today. I couldn't be more proud."
• Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.
Veterans Day
Navy League Veteran's Day Dinner
Dinner is from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Piñon Plaza, Highway 50 East. Annual tribute to the nation's veterans; with military ceremonies. Speaker is RDML Pat McGrath, deputy director, Navy Region Southwest. Call for reservations, 882-5205.
Carson City Elks Lodge No. 2177 Veterans Dinner
Dinner is at 6 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 515 N. Nevada St. Cost $6 per person; veterans with card free. Menu is spaghetti w/meatballs, Caesar salad, cheesy garlic bread and dessert. Proceeds to Carson City Senior Citizens Center's Adopt a Senior Veteran in the Meals on Wheels program. Call 882-2177.
Veterans Day Parade and Celebration - Virginia City
Parade begins at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Fourth Ward School. Late entries welcome. Parade forms at 10 a.m. at the school. Veterans and active-duty personnel receive discounts on merchandise, meals and drinks in any business that sports an "Armed Forces Appreciation Weekend Participant" sign.
Federal government waiving park fees Saturday
Fees will be waived for veterans and members of the U.S. Armed Forces using public recreation lands managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation on Saturday.
Veterans Day Parade - Reno
Parade begins at 11 a.m. Saturday. Route covers Arlington Avenue from Fifth Street south to Court Street.
Fourth annual Veterans Day Celebration - Reno
Veterans Guest House, 880 Locust St., Reno. This year's celebration honors the women who are or have served. The Washoe County School District JROTC Honor Guard will present the colors. Call 324-6958.