Elementary Students Learn the ABCs of Courage

Why did Japan bomb Pearl Harbor? How did the war in Germany end? When the U.S. dropped the atomic bomb, did we drop more than one? These were the questions of inquisitive fourth-graders at Ellisville Elementary, who along with students at Ballwin Elementary and other schools throughout the area, all took part in a series of activities this week as part of Veterans Day on Thursday.

Bob Groth, 81, fulfilled two roles that afternoon when he sat in on Terry Hudson's fourth-grade class at Ellisville Elementary. As a retired Naval technician who served in World War II, Groth acted as historian and fielded questions about the globe's greatest conflict. As the grandfather of second-grader James Norman and his fourth-grade brother Robbie, however, the day also allowed Groth to connect with those that he loves most.

"I couldn't believe how attentive they were," said Groth, who lives in a retirement community Ballwin.

On a day that included a flag ceremony by the Marquette High School JROTC program, a patriotic medley of military anthems and videos made by students, Ellisville Elementary Principal Allison Loy said she hopes her kids can embrace the bravery of service.

"What better could we learn than that of the importance of courage," Loy said. "[And] what better way to learn about courage than to have some of the bravest people in our country here with us."

Students also were reminded Thursday of some of the things military service members have to sacrifice. In a video shown during the Veterans Day assembly, Lieutenant Mike Ballwin addressed his fourth-grade son Charlie Ballwin and his classmates in a short video he recorded while stationed overseas in Guam. In it, Lt. Ballwin expressed not only love, but appreciation for what both father and son have had to give up.

"It's especially important to remember that Veterans Day isn't just about people like me," he said, explaining the roles that support staff, retirees and family members play.

On Monday, , where various ceremonies and speakers addressed not only the value of the military , but also the need for community service.

"I'm actually impressed," said Army Major Darl Everett, 44, of Ellisville, who got to visit with his second-grade son, Darl III, as part of the morning's activities.

"I'm very happy to see the young kids are being taught the value of service in the armed services and understanding what veterans are, why they're veterans, and why it's important."