American Valor Quarterly Issue 10 - Summer 2013 | Page 37

followed by a full assembly which the school’s History Departmet organized honoring these veterans for their service. “Creating this experience for these students to learn about veterans’ stories before they are gone helps students understand the importance of serving our country,” Mrs. Pearson said. “And it is a tragedy that every year we lose so many of these veterans before they have their stories told. It absolutely breaks my heart every time I hear when we have lost another veteran.” Jack Perry, a sergeant in the 42nd Infantry Division and liberator at Dachau, autographs a student’s notebook during the roundtable question and answer session as part of “Holding the Hands of History.” students had recently read about. ”The students listened as the veterans told their amazing stories,” Mrs. Pearson said. “The vets talked about pulling all these stolen paintings from salt mines. Also, in Blackfoot, Idaho, we have a large population of African American veterans of the war. They spoke of their treatment and experiences as black soldiers in World War II.” “As a veteran of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam,” he said, “I have known a lot veterans who are so appreciative of Sonya and her work to keep our legacy alive.” The veterans were treated to a luncheon and parade prior to the question and answer session, which was Veterans and students gather for a school assembly, recognizing the service of those who fought during World War II. AMERICAN VALOR QUARTERLY - Spring 2013 - 37 Rob Morris Several of Mrs. Pearson’s family members served in the military, including her father who served stateside during War World II and an uncle who fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima. However, her main motivation to create the project was to help ensure that her students know about the sacrifices these veterans made to protect our country during the war. . Mrs. Pearson acknowledged that many other schools would never have instituted a project like this. When asked about the cooperation from her school’s leadership she noted, “I was For the outstanding work Mrs. Pearson has done ensuring the legacy of our veterans remain alive in all of our hearts, the American Veterans Center very lucky to have our administration will recognize her at our 16th Annual so supportive of this project, and I Veterans Conference in November couldn’t have done this without their 2013. support and the wonderful team of teachers that helped me put this all If you know a school, teacher, or together.” organization in your hometown is working to preserve the legacy of our veterans, from The students and the veterans had a the Greatest Generation to the latest wonderful time. World War II veteran generation, please contact Seth Nichols at Floyd Rowe, who has spoken at every 571-480-4156 or Holding the Hands of History since [email protected]. its inception, said what a great time he has had and how grateful he was AVQ for Mrs. Pearson’s work.