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A poignant celebration for Veterans
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Julie Oakley explains the symbolism of America's White Table. All photos: Shelly Castorino
Students and Veterans enjoy the celebratory luncheon.
Haddonfield Middle School held its 12th annual Veterans Day Recognition Celebration on Monday, November 9, 2009, honoring Veterans from Camden, Burlington and Gloucester Counties. Dr. Noah Tennant welcomed the distinguished guests during an assembly with students and faculty. Immediately following the assembly, Veterans enjoyed a buffet luncheon where students had an opportunity to speak with guests one- on-one. Additional events included the second installment of personal interviews videotaped for the U.S. National Archives Veterans project and visits to classrooms for discussions and a question and answer session between students and Veterans.
A touching tradition
Once again, Julie Oakley, a faculty member at HMS, shared an excerpt from Margot T. Raven’s book “America’s White Table,” a powerful and moving story about a ceremony designed to thank all those who serve our country. All Veterans and guests stood silently as Ms. Oakley set a small table covered with a white cloth to honor a soldier's pure heart when he answers his country's call to duty. A lemon slice and grains of salt placed on a plate illustrate a captive soldier's bitter fate and the salty tears of families waiting for loved ones to return.
An empty chair, pushed to the table was a reminder to all of the missing soldiers who are not here. A black napkin represented the sorrow of captivity, and a glass turned upside down symbolized the meal that goes uneaten. A white candle represents peace and, finally, a red rose in a vase tied with a ribbon symbolized the hope that all our missing will return someday.
Why do we celebrate Veteran's Day?
A single red rose honors our Veteran's.
Veteran's Day, originally known as Armistice Day, became a legal holiday in the United States in 1918, to honor the end of World War I. The original purpose was “dedicated to the cause of world peace.” In 1954, after World War II and the Korean War, Congress amended the original Act of 1938 and changed Armistice to Veterans making November 11 a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
In Haddonfield, the tradition of honoring and welcoming Veteran’s to the Middle School promotes intergeneration communication and goodwill in the community. Students enjoy preparing for the interviews and having the opportunity to learn history from those who were there.
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