Keller students honor World War II veterans with letters of gratitude, support
World War II is in every youngster’s history lessons. Recently, students across six campuses in the Keller school district offered their support and appreciation to several men who fought in that historical war.
The project, called WW II Veterans Mail Call, was in honor of the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor. In all, 2,195 letters were written, packaged, and sent to 63 veterans while on their flight to Honolulu to visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.
Participating schools included Caprock Elementary, Lone Star Elementary, Indian Springs Middle School, Keller Middle School, Vista Ridge Middle School and Keller High School.
The effort was coordinated by KISD Board Secretary Bev Dixon and American Airlines Manager of Military and Veterans Initiatives Randy Stillinger.
“Mail calls during war were the only lifeline soldiers and sailors had to their loved ones,” Dixon said. “Randy thought this would be a nice ending to their trip.
“Keller ISD has a history of honoring our veterans. Students were eager to connect with these veterans. We had personalized letters submitted from all grade levels and it was obvious the admiration our students had for these men and women. They were thoughtful and clearly demonstrated the respect our students had for these veterans.”
Valeigh Morse, an eighth-grader at Keller Middle School, said writing a letter to a veteran to make his day better brightened her day as well.
“I think it’s really important to participate in activities like this because the veterans are some of the most kind-hearted people. They are so important to our country and our history, so it’s nice to be the reason someone smiles and to know that they’re appreciated,” Morse said.
Fellow KMS eighth-grader Parker Spock said participating in such a powerful cause made him realize gratitude is such a little contribution compared to the devotion and patriotism veterans have exhibited.
“It was hard to comprehend that someone who experienced first-hand what I’ve learned in history class would receive the letter I wrote,” Spock said. “The best part was envisioning a veteran opening my letter and taking pride in themselves and the country they protected. ... Gratitude is the least I could do.”
Dixon added that as a society, it is easy to forget the lessons learned in the past. The events of WWII shaped our world and still impact us today.
“The greatest generation demonstrated bravery, honor, courage and a dedication to the greater good. If we neglect to teach our young our history, we are doomed to repeat it,” she said.
Keller High School junior Isaac Lora said writing to a veteran felt almost nostalgic because Lora spent time in a military school himself.
“I lived around Marines for several months, so I heard many stories about their experiences in the Corps. So, when I wrote to the veteran, I felt a sort of empathetic connection,” he said.
Dixon said the impact these letters had on the WWII heroes will be long lasting, both for the veterans and the students. One of the veterans even took the time to call all the campuses from which he received letters.
“My entire office came in and listened in on the call and most of them were crying during it,” Lone Star Elementary Principal Steve Hurst said. “Certainly this is one of those things that means a lot for Lone Star and myself.”
