Thirty-seven elementary schools, more than 3100 first graders, along with staff and community members from across Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) participated in the first-ever "Together in Remembrance" event. Students in grade one gathered together for a curriculum-focused K-5 Memorial Day event sponsored by industry and community partners like AFCOM Potomac Chapter. Students built wooden American flags from kits distributed by veteran-owned Flags of Valor. Fifth-graders, along with Veterans, active service members, community members and staff, helped first-graders assemble the flags that are displayed in the schools and given to Veterans through various organizations.
Colonel Thomas Smith, a Retired helicopter pilot and Purple Heart recipient visited Legacy Elementary School, where his daughter serves as a reading specialist. Col. Smith expressed his privilege to be part of the event, saying, “It's a pleasure to be here to honor the fallen and show gratitude to the current members of the military and their spouses,” and underscoring the event's significance and the respect it commands.
LCPS departments across the Division of Teaching and Learning partnered with sponsors AFCOM Potomac, Flags of Valor, Loudoun Virginia Economic Development, Rosendin and other community businesses like Google, HITT, Paperfish Creative and Sabey Data Centers.
In addition to building flags, students in all elementary grades in participating schools engaged in lessons aligned with the Social Science and Global Studies curriculum and focused on various aspects of Memorial Day, like the Day’s origins, honoring those who sacrificed to protect the rights guaranteed to all citizens origins, patriotism and different communities' celebrations and honored traditions.
Renee Dawson, Director of Teaching and Learning said, “Memorial Day is an opportunity for us to remember and think about sacrifices made to protect, defend and support our country. Together in Remembrance is an event that deepens students' understanding of Memorial Day through hands-on learning experiences. Bringing together industry and community partners in student-driven events highlights the power of partnership. This example shows how collaborations can unite our community in a positive and impactful way.”
"Together in Remembrance" exemplifies the power of collaboration and community and the LCPS mission to empower all students to make meaningful contributions to the world.
Published May 23, 2024