It Meant A lot
This week our school honored America’s Veterans and it meant a lot. It meant a lot to hear 863 kids singing songs from the heart in unison. The depth of their sincerity echoed throughout the gym and reverberated in the hearts of all in attendance.
It meant a lot when several Veterans approached me after the program (many with quivering lips) to express their humble and heartfelt thanks. It meant a lot because the program was all about them and it was the least we could do. It meant a lot to gather with Greenwood parents and staff who are currently serving.
It meant a lot to know that our head custodian was at Fort Snelling National Cemetery taking part in services honoring friends and Veterans that he served alongside. It meant a lot to see our students personally thanking him for his service the very next day when he was back at school.
We were able to share the program with several families remotely using a live-stream feed. It meant a lot that our school community could continue the conversations from their workplaces and dinner tables even though they could not be physically present. It meant a lot that one of our staff members was also able to catch a short video clip of our students singing together; an impactful experience I will never forget.
It meant a lot to see all of our boy scouts and girl scouts in uniform and ready to serve as called upon. It meant a lot to see the dedicated employees we have on staff that are currently serving in attendance and sharing a message of character and integrity with our student body.
It meant a lot to see our music teachers invest many hours into the planning of the program. It meant a lot to hear that in the weeks of preparation leading up to the program, many classrooms would quietly sing patriotic songs while working on art projects and other seat work (during math class, art, and more). Our kids and staff really are an inspiration.
The spirit of gratitude that permeated our school yesterday meant a lot. We will not forget the valor or sacrifice of our Veterans.
Posted on November 13, 2014, in Uncategorized and tagged Brad Gustafson, Education, Fort Snelling, gratitude., Greenwood, GWgreats, Sacrifice, Veterans Day, Veterans Program. Bookmark the permalink. 4 Comments.
Adjusting Course 
Thank you for allowing your students and staff to take time to honor Veterans. As a Veteran myself, I feel it’s important for the current generation of students to understand what it means to be a Veteran, and to honor the sacrifices they (and their families) make.
Dareth,
Thank you for your service. We are grateful and humbly recognize that freedom comes at a high cost. On behalf of our students and school please know that your service and sacrifice deeply matter to us.
Kind regards,
Brad
Veteran’s Day is such a special day and should be a day like no other. Our school day was like any other school day…it’s unfortunate. Every time I see a military person in uniform, I shake their hand and say thank you! My simple thank you just isn’t enough…thank you Brad for creating a thankful culture in your school!
Thanks, Melissa. Our team (including our Music Specialists, Teachers, PTA and Parents) made this all happen. This really is the truth, but I agree about the power and importance of Honoring Veterans. Thanks for your comments. Brad