Kutztown students lined Normal Avenue in Kutztown to welcome the arrival of the Vietnam Wall Memorial traveling exhibit The Wall That Heals on Sept. 19.
Accompanied by their teachers and staff members, 1,250 students in kindergarten through 12th grade waved American flags as The Wall and its escort passed by Kutztown Elementary on its way to Kutztown Park. The school district live streamed this event on the district YouTube channel.
Earlier that day, BSA Scouts presented an American Flag ceremony to students at Kutztown Middle School, which featured Andrew Schucker singing the National Anthem.
“Vietnam veterans Kutztown Mayor Jim Schlegel and Lt. Col. Timothy Haring provided a powerful message about why The Wall That Heals is so important to them,” said Kutztown Area School District Director of Curriculum Melissa Devlin in a statement. “Their message helped students understand the ultimate sacrifice so many Americans have made in times of conflict.”
On Wednesday, Sept. 20, student volunteers helped set up The Wall at Kutztown Park along with other community volunteers. Student musicians also participated in the opening ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 21.
“Kutztown Area School District is proud to partner with the organizations who helped to bring this incredible opportunity to Kutztown,” said Devlin.
The arrival of The Wall That Heals in Kutztown serves as a learning opportunity for students, as well as a chance to see the exhibit up close and in person.
“Throughout the weeks leading up to the event, students have been learning valuable lessons about this time in American history through cross-content lessons and events,” said Devlin.
On Thursday and Friday, Sept. 21 and 22, students from grades five through twelve went on grade level trips to visit The Wall and learn more about Vietnam War veterans through the exhibit and its staff.
“This is a very special event for the Kutztown Borough overall and the entire community,” said Kutztown Superintendent Christian T. Temchatin during the Sept. 18 school board meeting. “I’m grateful to the Kutztown Borough for involving us in this event.”
Temchatin offered a special thank you to Devlin for coordinating Kutztown student involvement.
“We owe such great gratitude to our veterans and our Vietnam veterans are recognized with this one opportunity to heal from the wounds that still exist in their time,” said Temchatin. “So we are excited to participate.”
Source: Berkshire mont
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