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Carol Perkins: Let Freedom Ring Previous Column: The Oldest By Carol Perkins Memorial Day Weekend is a time to honor and remember those U.S. military veterans who gave their lives serving our country. The Fourth of July is to celebrate what those men and women did to ensure our freedom. As part of these days of remembrance and celebration, the Metcalfe County School students, faculty, and staff kicked off America's 250th year with heartwarming programs at each school. I haven't been in a classroom since 2009, but when Jamie Howard, principal at Metcalfe Elementary, asked me to visit at least one classroom per grade and talk about the Declaration of Independence before their program that afternoon, I brushed up on my history and delighted in the smiling faces that greeted me. I gave them some background about those who came over and settled the 13 colonies, and how England claimed us and held us under their rule. We discussed the five men who authored the Declaration and the current location of the original copy. I explained how it took eight years for us to win our independence and how lucky we are to be one of the few free countries in the world. The older students already knew most of what I told them. We talked about what the "pursuit" of happiness meant. When I said, "When your dad pursues a deer, what does he do?" They knew then what pursuit meant. At the end, the teachers handed out the celebration shirts and flags that our community bought for the children, along with a copy of the Declaration provided by the City of Edmonton. They waved their flags and shouted, "Happy Birthday, America," for a group photo or video. (Individual class pictures appear on Facebook.) After lunch, all seven hundred (and more) filled the elementary gym, and I've never seen such an orderly group. Laim Glass, our State Beta President, hosted the program. Mayes Sexton, dressed as Thomas Jefferson, and Skylin Harmon, dressed as Betsy Ross, shared history about the Declaration and the Flag. Under the direction of Taylor Brown, their music teacher, the choir sang patriotic songs, and then the magic happened. Taylor strapped on his guitar, walked to the middle of the gym, and led the entire student body in the Woody Guthrie song, "This is My Land." (Considered a protest song in the 40s, it is now considered one of the best songs ever written.) This brought me to tears. (Watch the video on Facebook and Instagram.) Metcalfe County residents made this happen by donating /adopting classrooms and providing funds to buy the shirts and flags. Amid all the other events going on this time of year, the faculty and staff organized programs the students won't forget. I sure won't. Share your thoughts with Carol at carolperkins06@gmail.com, or with CM readers using our Comment Form. This story was posted on 2026-05-15 11:29:39
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More articles from topic Carol Perkins:
Carol Perkins: The Oldest Carol Perkins: Don't These People Work? Carol Perkins: Celebration, Now, Come On Carol Perkins: Swimmy Head Carol Perkins: Looking forward to Easter Week Metcalfe Co. celebrating America's 250th Anniversary Carol Perkins: Pick Me, Pick Me Carol Perkins: Wednesday Afternoons Carol Perkins: Austin (The End) Carol Perkins: Austin, part 3 View even more articles in topic Carol Perkins |
 
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