Schools celebrate the fine art of patriotism

All three were incorporated into Monday's "Pride and Patriotism: Youth Celebrating the Arts," a community event that bridged curriculum of Lee County schools with the achievements of local veterans. About 1,500 children, parents, veterans and residents attended the celebration at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers, where winners of a school district essay and art contest were honored to the tune of patriotic music performed by the Southwest Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra.

"I think it's a marvelous idea to get them indoctrinated with such an important subject," said veteran Lou DiBaudo of Cape Coral.

School Board member Elinor Scricca said the event received tremendous support from both the school community and network of local veterans, an encouraging sign of patriotism heading into today's Veterans Day activities around the area.

Essays, artwork and music focused on six themes: the American Spirit of Exploration, Honoring Heroes, the Industrial Age, the Great Melting Pot, Westward Ho! and Purple Mountains Majesty.

Nine-year-old Jacob Buohler, a fourth-grader at Lehigh Elementary, was awarded third place for his artwork titled "Howdie America." His design depicted a gold-rush era landscape and mine as part of the "Westward Ho!" theme. Although the Wild, Wild West was an interesting period of American history, Jacob would rather be a child in the 21st century.

"It's at least a lot less chores now," he said.

Monday's event wasn't intended to just focus on student achievement, though. Veteran Charles Covucci displayed about 20 military uniforms from his private collection that were worn during the past century, explaining to both children and adults when and where the particular attire was used. John Di Giovannantonio, a veteran from Cape Coral, said youth should not just learn about war and the military, but also about pride in being an American.

"We have to change our ways; we have to teach patriotism," he said. "We need to teach love of the flag and our country."

On Veterans Day last year, the Lee County School District coordinated a graduation ceremony for 40 veterans who never received their high school diplomas after leaving early to serve in World War II or the Korean War.

Public school students in Lee County do not have class today in observance of Veterans Day. That decision was made last year so children can participate in ceremonies across the community.