Decorating

with

patriotism

By RACHEL WEDDIG

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Washington Elementary students are filled with the holiday spirit and making patriotic ornaments to hang from their school's Christmas trees in show of support and patriotism for the United States.

Members of Students First, the school's student governing body, were each assigned a classroom to spread their idea of making patriotic ornaments.

"From the events on Sept. 11, we thought this would be a good thing to do," said Students First member Jake Braam, who made a star ornament including the message, "peace forever." "It's our way of showing our patriotism."

The ornaments are in the shapes of bells, doves, angels, hearts and stars and are decorated in red, white and blue. Messages such as, "Don't fight, it's not right," and "God bless America," are inscribed on the ornaments.

"I think it's a wonderful thing for the school," said Students First Coordinator Joan Wisniewski. "It's a way for the students to feel connected with the Sept. 11 attacks and display their messages of peace and hope."

The students feel good about showing their support.

"I like making the Christmas tree ornaments," said Students First member Trisha Johnson. "It makes me feel better about what happened and shows our support for the soldiers who are trying to help those out in New York."

Students felt writing messages on the ornaments were an important part of the activity.

"I especially like how we put a peace sign or message on the back of the ornaments," said Students First member Bethany Saffert. "It makes you feel good, and you feel that everybody really wants peace."

Saffert made an angel and decorated it with the stars and stripes of the American flag and included the message, "God bless America, peace on earth." She said she was scared as a result of the terrorist attacks because her father was out of state at the time and couldn't get home because the airplanes were grounded -- she was afraid he was never going to get home.

Students First member Erik Curry said the ornaments are appropriate because Christmas is supposed to be a time of peace.

"I'm glad we did this because it makes me feel better about what happened after Sept. 11," Curry said. "It's good to make these tree ornaments because Christmas is supposed to be a time to give and have peace."

Each grade in Washington has its own Christmas tree. All are decorated in red, white and blue, with an American flag placed at the top.

"All the students thought it was a good idea," said Students First member Haley Lutteke. "Everyone likes making crafts and we felt this was our little way to support our country and make us feel involved."

The importance of having peace on earth is an aspect students want to convey with their ornaments.

"It's good to do this now because it's always good to have peace at Christmas," said Students First member Amanda Hunt, whose heart-shaped ornament carried the message, "peace rocks."

"Because of the Sept. 11 attacks, this is a way of showing our country is strong and can pull together," Hunt said.