Taylors Elementary School fifth-graders to learn patriotism

Published: Tuesday, November 6, 2007 - 2:00 am 

By Lorando D. Lockhart
GREATER GREER NEWS
llockhart@greenvillenews.com


A retired member of the Vermont Air National Guard will be the keynote speaker
Nov. 9 at a Taylors Elementary School Veteran's Day program. 

Fifth-grade teacher Lindsey Lollis said retired Air Force Tech. Sgt. Stephen Goshorn 
would speak to four fifth-grade classes about the American military and why veterans 
should be celebrated. 

"Last year, he contacted our assistant principal and said he was interested in speaking 
to fifth-graders about Memorial Day," she said. "This year, he said he'd like to come for Veteran's
 Day and that's how we got him this year." 

Lollis said students would learn what Veteran's Day means and why Americans celebrate the holiday. 
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"He'll also play an instrument for them and he will recognize veterans and ask other students
 if they know people who are serving in the military," she said. "It's a very good ceremony." 

Goshorn's presentations will last about 45 minutes and will include a description of his job
 as an aircraft technician. 

"I'll sing to them at the beginning," he said. "I have a song called the "Armed Forces Medley," 
and it contains lines from songs from each branch of the military." 

During this time, students will be encouraged to stand to show respect for people they know who 
are or have been in the military, Goshorn said. 

"I'm also going to cut pieces of cardboard to resemble portions of an airplane," he said. "What
 I'll talk about is launching an airplane and teaching the students about working with a pilot." 

Goshorn said he was inspired to speak with children by following a Vermont program called Starbase
 Vermont that encourages students to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and math. 

"I became passionate about giving tours to students who came through this program," he said. 

Principal Robert Crain said it's critical that people such as Goshorn speak to his students about
 patriotism and the sacrifices made by many brave men and women to defend their freedom. 

"It's important for our children to understand the military heritage that the United States has 
and how important these people are to the defense of the liberties we enjoy today," he said. 

Lorando D. Lockhart can be reached at 298-3816 or a llockhar@greenvillenews.com.