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JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (December 3, 2015) – On a
normal school day, students from Hickam Elementary receive history
lessons from their teachers.
However, they had a
chance to speak to individuals who are actually in their history
books; as members from "The Greatest Generation" visited and spent
their day at the school.
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Members of the Pearl Harbor Survivor's Association stand at attention during the pledge of allegiance during their visit to Hickam Elementary, Dec. 3, 2015, here on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. During the visit, the survivors provided stories to students and faculty, enjoyed a school lunch and were treated to a choral performance by the school's music department. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Stoltz)
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The visit marks the second time the Pearl Harbor
survivors have visited Hickam Elementary, and allowed
students to learn more about the attack on Pearl Harbor from
individuals who were there in person.
“Our students
were able to experience living history by interacting with
these remarkable men,” said Alisa Estrella Bender, Hickam
Elementary School principal. “Their personal stories and
shared experiences gave our students greater awareness to
honor, sacrifice and patriotic duty.”
One of the
students who were fortunate enough to speak with the
survivors was fifth grader Chloe Malone, who said having the
opportunity to speak to the survivors is something she will
always remember.
“Listening to the survivors allowed
us to learn more about the event from their perspective,”
said Malone. “I would like to thank them for their service,
and anyone who is currently in the military as well.”
After hearing stories about the attack on Pearl Harbor
and fielding various questions from the students, the Pearl
Harbor survivors enjoyed a school lunch and even attended a
formal concert.
Songs from students ranging from
kindergarten to sixth grade filled the concert hall,
bringing tears to many eyes in the room. After the songs
ended, survivors gave thanks to the children for their
performances. Although the room was loud seconds earlier,
one could hear a pin drop as the survivors gave thanks and
made their way back to the shuttle which brought them to
Hickam Elementary.
Principal Bender quoted former
President John F. Kennedy and said: “As we express our
gratitude, we must never forget that the highest
appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
“For us, we were reminded to live our gratitude for what
these men, as well as other veterans have done for our
nation,” said Bender.
Although the "Greatest
Generation" will be very busy with next year's 75th
remembrance, they said they would make time and come back to
Hickam Elementary.
“We would be honored to have them
back next year,” said Principal Bender. “It touched our
hearts when they said they wanted to come back to Hickam
Elementary School again.”
By U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Christopher Stoltz
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2015
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