It is Veterans Day
In 1918, on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, World War I ended. It was known as the Great War and the War to End All Wars, but we've had sequels since. Our Veterans Day began as a commemoration of the end of WWI, but is now observed as a day we celebrate all veterans, living and dead, who served our country, during war or during peace. This is really one of the few international holidays, being called Remembrance Day in Canada, Great Britian, Australia and other countries.
So, this got me remembering, remembering all the "war" books of my childhood. Johnny Tremain springs most clearly to mind. Since I grew up outside Boston, it made this Revolutionary War story a more than "must read." Although Johnny's life is drastically different from the kid's of today - he's apprenticed to a silversmith, there is no such thing as workman's comp. or health care, and news is dispersed by midnight ride not internet - there are still modern day themes. Johnny suffers bullying and humiliation, he is forced to rely on inner strengths and finds true friendships and a passionate cause. I think our kids can relate.
And then there is The Red Badge of Courage. Taking place during the Civil War, this one was always harder for me to wrap my teenage head around. Henry Flemming is not an immediate likable hero. Still, I never once blamed Henry for his fear and rationalizing or for running away. I also understood his shame. Published in 1895, when the violent screams of battle had been translated into tales of glory, the author, Stephen Crane, didn't want people to for
get the reality of war and willingly rekindled its emotional upheaval.
There are many other stories of conflicts and veterans and they should be read by our children. The book titles go on and on - For Whom the Bell Tolls, The Diary of Anne Frank, Band of Brothers, Bury my Heart at Wounded Knee, etc. It helps children to understand our history. Our country is at war now. I know the effects haven't reached a majority of homes or the mall, but we're fighting on two fronts and this War on Terror is not ending soon. I'm sure there are already great books that show insight and intrigue and put a human face on this war. If you have any favored reads, please share them here. Oh, and thank a veteran today. Their efforts have kept us free to read all the books we want.
So, this got me remembering, remembering all the "war" books of my childhood. Johnny Tremain springs most clearly to mind. Since I grew up outside Boston, it made this Revolutionary War story a more than "must read." Although Johnny's life is drastically different from the kid's of today - he's apprenticed to a silversmith, there is no such thing as workman's comp. or health care, and news is dispersed by midnight ride not internet - there are still modern day themes. Johnny suffers bullying and humiliation, he is forced to rely on inner strengths and finds true friendships and a passionate cause. I think our kids can relate.
And then there is The Red Badge of Courage. Taking place during the Civil War, this one was always harder for me to wrap my teenage head around. Henry Flemming is not an immediate likable hero. Still, I never once blamed Henry for his fear and rationalizing or for running away. I also understood his shame. Published in 1895, when the violent screams of battle had been translated into tales of glory, the author, Stephen Crane, didn't want people to for
get the reality of war and willingly rekindled its emotional upheaval.
There are many other stories of conflicts and veterans and they should be read by our children. The book titles go on and on - For Whom the Bell Tolls, The Diary of Anne Frank, Band of Brothers, Bury my Heart at Wounded Knee, etc. It helps children to understand our history. Our country is at war now. I know the effects haven't reached a majority of homes or the mall, but we're fighting on two fronts and this War on Terror is not ending soon. I'm sure there are already great books that show insight and intrigue and put a human face on this war. If you have any favored reads, please share them here. Oh, and thank a veteran today. Their efforts have kept us free to read all the books we want.