Sheppard Elementary Holds Standing Vigil

A group of students is receiving a lesson they will never forget.

5th and 6th graders at Sheppard Elementary spent the day taking shifts standing vigil in honor of Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action.

It was all in light of "Freedom Week," and students spent today honoring those who have given so much to protect our freedoms.

Standing is silence, beneath a flag.

Remembering.

"I think it's so important because my dad has been deployed so I know how it feels, not to be Missing in Action or Prisoners of War, but i still kind of know how it feels to have a parent gone," said Hanna Kenerson, a 6^th grader at Sheppard Elementary.

Her and her classmates have spent the past week learning about freedom.

And today's lesson is vital.

"It's POW/MIA Recognition Day so I have been teaching them about the importance of remembering those people that were prisoners of war and missing in action," said Amy Frerichs, a Social Studies teacher at Sheppard Elementary.

Sheppard Air force Base Elementary held a standing vigil.

For ten minutes throughout the day 5th and 6th graders at Sheppard Elementary took turns standing vigil.

"It's a great opportunity to teach our young children, our young citizens, what it means to live in a free country," said General Michael Fantini.

And for Hanna the day is even more special because she is sharing it with her dad.

"It's a proud moment it makes your heart feel really good to be able to share something like this with your family members," said Lt. Col. Barton Kenerson.

And for these students the reality of a loved one becoming a POW or MIA is even more real which is why today isn't just another lesson in school but a day of solemn remembrance for those who have gone before them fighting for freedom.

And Sheppard Air Force Base held another standing vigil with airmen on base.