LINDEN — North Montgomery Middle School students are learning about local veterans with a large outdoor display placed around their school. The project is helping to bring a deeper meaning to Veterans Day and connecting students with Montgomery County service men and women.
The project was funded by a Montgomery County Community Foundation grant. Two local organizations, Waynetown Freedom Fest Committee and the Darlington American Legion, have joined along with numerous individuals to honor county veterans.
The display includes 80 individual signs with a veteran’s photo and military service history. The display is included each June as part of the Waynetown Freedom Fest. There are 83 additional signs that include a veteran’s photo and military history provided by families and friends of the honorees.
A donation of more than 400 American flags from the Darlington Legion are spread among the signs, giving the school the largest display in the area.
Social science teacher Jodi Webster organized the project. She knew Waynetown often displayed the signs, and she has used them before. However, this year she offered others the opportunity to include their veteran. The response from the community pleased Webster.
“We put out a plea to the community through the school and Facebook to send us a photo and history of their veteran,” she said. “We are overwhelmed by the great response.”
Students and community volunteers assembled the display last week. Every student in the school eventually helped place a flag, giving students some ownership in the project.
In response to the project, Webster has seen students become more appreciative of those who have served.
“It is really neat to see our students going around and reading the signs,” Webster said. “They are starting to understand that these veterans are a part of who we are at North Montgomery. Some have found relatives or people they know on the signs and that gives them a sense of pride. It is fun seeing the students get excited and appreciate our local heroes.”
While the signs are providing an excellent opportunity to learn about the sacrifices of the veterans, Webster said they are going to take the project to the next level with the Evergreen Project.
“We are going to provide Christmas trees for families who have a loved one deployed,” Webster said. “We also are going to raise funds for Blue Star Mothers. This allows student to serve the families.”
The holiday trees are being provided by Matt and Rachel Stine of Oak Hill Farms. Anyone who knows of a deployed active service man or woman can contact Webster at jwebster@nm.k12.in.us.
The display will remain through the upcoming weekend. Webster hopes others in the community will take a moment to walk amongst the signs and read about Montgomery County veterans who served their country.
“The stories of the veterans are amazing,” Webster said. “To read about what some of the men and women did fascinates our students and I know the public would enjoy learning also.”
