River Bend Pirates Thank Veterans

Patriotism is alive and well at River Bend Middle School in Claremont. Under the direction of 7^th grade Social Studies teacher, Melinda Hamilton, 4,332 American flags were placed in the ground by Junior Beta Club members Thursday afternoon in honor of our veterans. The flags represent the number of soldiers killed while serving our country in the War Against Terror, both in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In previous years, the Junior Beta Club has sent letters of thanks and lapel pins to area veterans. This year, the group wanted to give those passing by the school a visual reminder of the sacrifices made by our soldiers. Signs out front list the number of soldiers that served in each war and the number who lost their lives protecting our freedoms. A banner at the school entrance reminds us all that “Freedom is not free: Thank You, Veterans!”

The Veteran’s Day flag display has not gone unnoticed by the community. An American veteran called into a local radio station Friday morning to commend the students and faculty for remembering their efforts. In conjunction with the school’s celebration of Veteran’s Day, students and faculty donned red, white and blue clothing on Friday to show their patriotism.