A quick homework assignment for my English Language Arts/English First Peoples 10 students this week was to log on to the Veterans Affairs website and create an e-card for Peace. I wanted my students to reflect on what Remembrance Day means to them. I wanted them to examine their ideas of war, peace and conflict. I also asked them to explore whether their beliefs may have changed as they aged.
The e-Postcards for Peace format is very simple–users can select one of 6 images for their card, type in their recipients email address, and then type a custom message. Once cards are sent the recipient receives a notification from Veteran Affairs to pick up their e- card.
On Thursday evening I checked my district email and was excited to see many e-card notifications. Here is a copy of an email I sent to a parent that evening:
Hello Melissa
To receive e-card notifications on Friday November11th and throughout this weekend has been an amazing personal experience for me. I have been witness to the inner most thoughts and sensitivities of my students. My students have taught me a great deal about themselves and Remembrance Day this weekend.
I will remember the tears my grandfather shed for his father fighting to keep his family and home safe. I will remember the fear my grandmother felt running and hiding for her life as the Germans dropped bombs on London. I will remember the blood, sweat and the tears our soldiers shed to give us the lives and freedoms so many of us take for granted today. Liam K
Remembrance Day to me means remembering people who died in the war and honoring them for fighting for us. Last year I saw a picture of my Papa’s dad and found out he was in the World War 2 for four years fighting for my family. Raileigh
Remembrance Day is the one day of the year when you are asked to pay your respects to the people who have fearlessly fought for our country. What I will be remembering this Remembrance Day is all those people who returned and didn’t return from battle, the people who lost their family in battle. I will be remembering the reason this land is free. I will also be remembering the importance of this day and to always respect it. That’s how I will remember. Christian W
