Barrett students join with veterans to plant Field of Flags for Veterans Day

On a sunny Friday afternoon in the shadow of the towering remnants of the former Homestead Steel Works at the Waterfront, a handful of Barrett Elementary students united with veterans to plant a field of American flags.

This community service project was part of a month-long celebration of Veterans Day at Barrett Elementary and throughout the Steel Valley School District. Organized by Barrett teacher Ms. Jonette Bost, the Field of Flags was designed to educate students about the symbolism of the American flag. Beyond the stripes representing the original 13 colonies and the stars representing the 50 states, Ms. Bost said that the colors have an added meaning. White can be viewed as representing purity and innocence, red stands for hardiness and valor, and blue signifies perseverance, vigilance, and justice.

"We thought the Field of Flags was a moving experience for our children," Ms. Bost explained. "We wanted them to imagine a grassy field in our town transformed into a sea of red, white, and blue. We wanted them to imagine walking through the field of flags, touching them, and feeling them as they catch the wind. We wanted them to imagine reading about the dedications of honoured people."

Each grade level at Barrett has had unique projects to help celebrate Veteran's Day. Kindergarten created a video of them singing "Grand Old Flag," while first graders recorded a video of them reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Fourth graders visited the Soldiers and Sailors Hall to learn about the Civil War.

Second and third graders collected "Coins at the Graveside" as a service project. Coins are traditionally placed at the gravesite of Veterans and in the Field of Flags to commemorate their service. For the students, each denomination represented a way for them to reflect on the sacrifices and service of our active military members and our veterans.

The students chosen to plant the flags were selected by living up to Barrett Bear expectations. They were required to believe, earn and give respect, always be prepared, be ready to learn, and be safe. The students selected were third graders Jonathan Hill and Rakaiha Reese, and second graders O'Marii Davis, JaNae Ford, JaNiya Ford, and Novad Jones. The opportunity to take part in this project carried special meaning for JaNae and JaNiya, whose father served in the United States Army.

With the help of three community members - Mr. Robert Perris, a six-year veteran of the Marine Corps and two-year veteran of the Army; Mr. Casey Smearman, a two-year veteran of the Army; and Mr. Bobby Boehm, a 43-year military volunteer - the students, Ms. Bost, and principal Ms. Kimberly Winters planted 50 flags to honor Barrett family members who sacrificed for our freedom.

Barrett Elementary would like to thank Ms. Emily Wittmer from The Waterfront, who helped arrange the creation of the Field of Flags. An anonymous donor generously contributed the flags.

In addition to the Field of Flags, the trip to the Soldiers and Sailors Hall, the coins at the gravesites, and the other projects by each grade level, Barrett students participated in the annual Veterans Day Committee poster contest. The winners will be announced during the annual Veterans Day program at the high school on November 15.

Barrett will host a special Veterans Day program of its own on Monday, November 18 at 9:30 a.m. The program is an Alabaster Performing Arts Production, and the Veterans Day Salute features traditional patriotic sing-a-longs, including the "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," "God Bless America," "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree," and more. The show is open to the public.