South Pacific Academy honors military veterans
November 09, 2006

SPA students honor veterans

By Tavai P. Lealaisalanoa

Samoa News Intern

Saturday, Nov. 11 is Veterans Day, a day we, as citizens of this free nation, commemorate those soldiers who have fought or are fighting for the protection and freedom of our country.

Every year, South Pacific Academy conducts an assembly honoring our veterans. This year, the private school is doing something different.

"We were trying to find another way to show our appreciation to those soldiers fighting for our freedom," said SPA principal Evelyn Weilenman. "This year the students of SPA wrote letters expressing their appreciation for what the veterans have done for them."

All the students participated but only a few letters were chosen to share with Islandhood and here are some of the letters.





Dear Veteran,

I miss you and thank you for your service and you did great in the war and I want to thank you so much for my freedom and I love you so much to the people in the war."

Karlinna Sanchez, Grade 1.





Dear Veterans,

"You have served and protected our country, but most of the time we are ignorant and take advantage of that. Today, however, we are reminded of your sacrifice, and we thank you. We thank you for risking your lives for us, so that we can live in peace.

"Our Samoan soldiers have left the safety of our home to fight. Some have made it back safely, but sadly, many have died. Many may believe that their deaths have been in vain, while others praise them for their courage and sacrifice. They went out to war to fight to protect us, our families. So how can one even think that they did it for nothing?

"Soldiers, I admire your faith and at the same time I have faith in you. You have had the courage to leave your families with the risk of never returning. You have endured the many horrible tragedies of war. You have fought while others sat around and did nothing. You are heroes in my eyes. Thank you for everything. Veterans Day shouldn't be the only day to remember you. We must and will honor you everyday, because that is the least we can do.

Once again, thank you.

Lorraine Ho Ching, Grade 12.





Dear Veterans,

"I am second grade student from SPA. My name is Gabby. I want to thank you for fighting fro our freedom and being so brave and protecting our country from our enemies. I really appreciate it. Happy Veterans Day! I'm really proud of you."

May God bless you.

Love,

Gabby Woo, Grade 2.





Our Freedom

"My freedom and the people who fought for it are both important to me, because if I had no freedom and if no one fought for it my family and I would be controlled. I would like to thank the veterans for putting our lives before yours and for having the strength and courage to fight for our freedom.

"Freedom is the ability to do, say, or think as one pleases. And I think freedom is something that is a very special part of my life."

Sincerely,

Tiara Drabble, Grade 4.





Thank you for the Freedom

"I think it would be a courageous risk to go out there and fight for our freedom. Every soldier should be rewarded with gratitude. I couldn't imagine how hard it is to go through a lot of training to fight for our freedom and although going through that risk can cause death.

"You still attend to do it even if you are never going to see your loves ones again.

Sincerely,

Koroseta Butler, Grade 4.





Dear Veterans,

"First of all I would like to wish you all a Happy Veterans Holiday.

"I am a person who has never experienced the hardships of wars. I have never even lost anyone I love or am close to, to wars. Still, I see people who have been affected by wars all around me. Even though you are no longer traveling across the world, to fight for our freedom or world peace, many people deeply appreciate your past services.

"Although each and every one of you had a reason to enter the service, you still risked your lives for other soldiers, your family, your friends and your country. Unlike other jobs or services, you could not afford to make any mistakes, so your service was extremely courageous.

"Many people have not experienced or even see what you have been through without even knowing it, your actions may have changed a people's country or country's future, but especially, your own life. Your actions in the past, has led to where we are, today. So, you have played a major part in helping this world, to make it a some-what better place to live.

"I really don't know what else to say, but to say, "Thank-you."

"Thank-you, that you fought for our freedom or world peace. Thank-you, that you risked your lives for the people. Thank-you, that you helped to make this world a better place. Thank-you, for your service.

Sincerely,

Tia Aga, Grade 8.






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