Patriotism

Our grandson Ethan, an 8th grader at the Winkler Middle School here in Concord, NC, was asked, along with all of his classmates, to write a small paper on Patriotism. Writing the paper in class, the students had no opportunity to do any research. They wrote what was in their minds.  We are still awaiting a read of his actual paper--his teacher has not yet returned the paper. But all the papers were submitted to a review group and his was one of four selected as the best in the entire 8th grade at Winkler.  Among other things, he wrote that Patriotism is more than wearing a lapel pin, or pasting a little sign or banner on your car. Patriotism is revealed by how you live your life--by your actions as a citizen. Not bad for an 8th grader I think. Our elected representatives might pay attention.
As a result of his paper, and as part of an 8th grade field trip to Washingtopn, DC, Ethan was selected, along with three of his classmates, to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The family thought that was a great honor, and not something to be missed.
So, we accompanied Ethan's folks and his sister on a trip to Washington, one of our favorite places anyway. While there, we all watched the ceremony at the Tomb in the Arlington Cemetery.  What follows is a pictorial of that ceremony. needless to say, we were all moved deeply and we are all very proud of our grandson.