MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS WRITE TO A FAMILY OF AN MIA FROM THE VIETNAM WAR
Sixth grade students from the Millstone Middle School were visited by Veterans from Post NJ-03 of the Veterans of the Vietnam War, Inc. and the Veterans Coalition. The home base of Post NJ-03 is located in Millstone Township, New Jersey.
Three members of Post NJ-03: Raymond Dothard (Lieutenant Colonel, retired, US Air Force); Jerry Gottlieb (Petty Officer 2nd Class, retired, US Navy) and Barry Rosenzweig (1st Lieutenant, retired, US Army) were present for the presentation of a program, entitled, “Dear POW/MIA.” The two-session program took place on two succeeding weeks in October, 2017.
File Photo, Barry Rosenzweig teaching the students about the symbolism of the POWMIA flag
The 130, 6th graders, interactively participated with the Veterans in: reviewing the five branches within the military; Holidays that honor veterans; the definition of a veteran; learning about the POW/MIA Flag-every symbol upon the flag and the history of the flag, itself; where have they seen the POW/MIA flag on display; and, most importantly, the POW/MIA issue, as it relates to all of the conflicts that the USA has been involved since the Revolutionary War, and ,in particular, the Vietnam War!
The Combat Veterans, Lieutenant Colonel Dothard and Petty Officer 2nd Class Gottlieb, shared stories about their service within the Air Force and Navy, respectively. Students were able to ask questions during each of the presentations. All of this, took place during the first session of the two-part program.
For the second session of the, “Dear POW/MIA” program, students wrote a letter to a family of one of the 1,602 MIAs from the Vietnam War (Each year Post NJ-03, chooses several states within which there are MIAs: this year the states are New Jersey/Pennsylvania/Connecticut/and, Maryland). Students came prepared for this assembly with their completed letters and a few were read to the assemblage by the students who wrote them.
During the presentation, students actively were engaged in a very adult and critical learning, that is, the fact that conflict involves violence and with violence comes harm to some of those military personnel who are, “in harms’ way.” However, as stated on the bottom portion of the POW/MIA flag, those who are missing, “You Are Not Forgotten!” The classes understood that they were writing to families that had never had, “closure,” regarding their loved one who was listed as MIA. Since the Vietnam War ended in 1975, these families have been waiting and hoping for some word of their loved ones’ being found, for a minimum of 42 years!
Every year, families do respond to some of the letters and write back to the students. The families’ of the MIAs are very appreciative that their loved one, has not been forgotten!
Here are some excerpts from several of the students’ letters:
- 1. “I have written to you to thank you for your loved ones service. He was brave, strong and selfless. Without him, America would not be as safe as it is today…” and
- 2. “He will always be remembered as a great citizen. Veterans came to my school and talked about the POW/MIA flag. I hope that your loved one is reconnected with you…”
- 3. ‘Mr. XXXXX was in the Navy. He must have been a good person to have served his Country. Mr. XXXXX did his part to keep us safe. Just remember that Freedom isn’t Free! Your loved one is not forgotten!…”
The 2nd session also included a wonderful, “Show-And-Tell,” which had the students who wished to, bring in, souvenirs (photos, awards, decorations, documents etc.) from members of their families that had served in our military. What a great, “Show-And-Tell,” it was! Over one-third of the 6th grade students participated with souvenirs! Each student was able to speak about their relative(s) and their individual service within the military as well as showing and describing the souvenirs.
It was truly a fascinating and “eye-opening” presentation by the students! Family members of the student body represented numerous conflicts: the American Civil War; Spanish-American War; WWI; WWII; Korean War; Vietnam War; and the 1st Gulf War!
The relatives of the students’, Military Family Trees served in the military of various countries, as well: The United States; Israel; India; and, Great Britain.
Post NJ-03 has been presenting the, “Dear POW/MIA” program at the Millstone Middle School, to the 6th graders for a number of years. This is a great learning experience for the students. They get to hear stories from the Veterans in attendance. These Veterans are LIVING HISTORY and the students hear and learn first-hand accounts of military service that you are NOT able to read in books! Student questions are always very thought provoking and interesting.
The 6th graders are marvelous: interested; respectful; kind; and very mature! The 6th grade teachers are very supportive of the program and encourage students to ask their family about, “Who in their family has served in the military, to protect and defend our Freedoms!” The, “Dear POW/MIA” program instills a renewed sense of Patriotism and Pride within the students.
Press release by Barry Rosenzweig, Millstone Township Post Post NJ-03 Veterans of the Vietnam War, Inc. and the Veterans Coalition
