Celebrating our freedom By Sandy Garrett, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Friday, October 23, 2009 “Patriotism is not a short frenzied burst of emotion, but the long and steady dedication of a lifetime.” Thomas Jefferson Oklahoma boys and girls will honor the brave men and women who have proudly served our country at home and abroad during “Celebrate Freedom Week.” This week-long observance includes Veterans Day and was designated by the state Legislature in 2007. This year it is recognized Monday, November 9 through Friday, November 13. The intent of Celebrate Freedom Week is to ensure students learn more about the sacrifices that have been made on behalf of our country and the democratic principles upon which America was founded. Social studies classes are scheduled to focus on the intent, meaning and importance of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution, including the Bill of Rights. Students in Grades 3-12 will study and recite the following passage from the Declaration of Independence (unless parents request otherwise): We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Local boards of education will also determine when each school will hold a Veterans Day assembly. Schools have the option of observing a moment of silence beginning at 11 a.m., November 11. Veterans and other community members will be invited to attend special celebrations at schools across the state. Some schools will have breakfasts, while others will have musical tributes and assemblies. In Broken Arrow at Liberty Elementary, the Veterans’ Day program will feature a local Vietnam veteran who will sing a special song he wrote as a tribute and show of support for fellow veterans. Moore Public Schools’ celebration has been expanded to three weeks, which includes hosting Freedom: A History of US, which is a traveling exhibit of the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. The exhibit includes documents and images of events, and highlights prominent historical figures from the founding fathers through 1968. The exhibit runs from October 30 to November 20 and the district also will hold a Veterans Day reception, giving student "thank you" cards to each service member in attendance. These are just some of the events planned at schools statewide. For details about events in your community, please contact your local school. Curriculum guides and other classroom resources for “Celebrate Freedom Week” are available on the Oklahoma Department of Education's Web site at . Read to a child – the benefits last a lifetime! www.sde.state.ok.us EDITORS: For more information, contact Shelly Hickman, State Department of Education, (405) 521-3371.