Flags waved and children rushed to meet community members at the double doors of Davenport Elementary as they entered to hum along with 100 third graders singing patriotic songs. The audience included veterans who were honored by the students saluting them at the close of the program.
The “We Love America” program started in 1976 at Davenport Elementary. The program opened with audience members and a sea of third graders standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Then the national anthem bellowed and bounced from wall to wall…audience members sang along with the children.
“This has been older than myself, older than most of the teachers that are here…we took a little hiatus because of COVID but we brought it back this year. We did digital versions the past couple years, no the same impact but we are really happy to have it back,” said Jessica Lawson, a third grade teacher.
This was Lawson’s first year taking on the director role. The previous directors have all since retired. Several third grade teachers and staff at Davenport Elementary helped put on the production that involved 100 third graders dressed in red, white and blue.
“This has been a group effort, many hands,” said Lawson.
On the projector in the gymnasium there was the John Adams quote, “Children should be educated and instructed in the principles of freedom.”
Pictured: Cat Petersen from The Morning Buzz and Jessica Lawson, a third grade teacher
“We just want our children to learn that we are very blessed to live in this country…out of all the countries in the world this is a beautiful place,” said Lawson. “They should have some kind of love for their country. We hope to build that through teaching them about their country, it’s founding and its history. We want them to inherently love America.”
Kids seem to be naturally patriotic, according to Lawswon…it is because America is their team.
The cannons of each military branch were played and veterans stood up when their branch’s tune echoed in the gym. Kids marched to songs and homemade hats were worn and used as part of the choreography.
Parents in the crowd beamed with pride and mumbles of approval lasted for a while as parents helped to take down red, white and blue décor.
