 | An original post by Bobby. |
I have three grandchildren in the same school ‐ forth, third, and first grades. The school is only five years old, in a rapidly-growing Texas suburb. White kids are a minority, with a lot of Indians, Asians, and a few black kids. Something like 80% of the 500+ kids have a corresponding adult in the PTA or otherwise assisting at school ‐ very active adult participation. My wife and I went to a 2:05 p.m. school assembly Friday, to see my third-grade grandson sing.
The program was introduced as a thank you for our veterans. The kids were asked to be especially quiet and respectful, to honor those who have served. The colors were presented by the Cub Scouts (and a girls group, unknown to me). All rose to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and the Texas Pledge. (Having finished our education outside the state, my wife and I did not know the Texas Pledge. It’s shorter, but similar to the one (U.S.) pledge I recited in the third grade.) Then everyone sang the Star-Spangled Banner. I thought we were off to a good start!
The kids sang a number of songs celebrating America. The only song I recognized was halfway through the program, when they twice repeated the chorus of George M. Cohen’s You’re a Grand Old Flag ‐ similar to A Kids Version. If you don’t remember the original, see Wikipedia
In between each song, several kids would line up to say 5-10 words about how much they appreciated America ‐ liberty, freedom, and equality were regular themes.
After a couple of other tunes, they finished the program with something called Fifty Nifty United States. There is also a YouTube version of that, of course - Fifty Nifty. All five grades sung it together, and were rocking out, using their arms to make the shapes of each letter of the states. Texas, of course, was shouted out, as the states were recited.
The group was reminded of the purpose of the assembly and veterans in the room were asked to stand. I saw three or four, including my grandson’s other Grandpa. All 550 kids turned around and saluted the vets, and shouted thank you!
It gives me hope.
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