By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Students at Union City Elementary School are already “sharing the love” with Valentine’s Day still a week away.
The entire fourth grade class at UCES has embarked on a project to send Valentine’s Day cards to 104-year-old World War II veteran Bill White of Stockton, Calif.
White, a U.S. Marine Corps major, was in Iwo Jima when soldiers raised the U.S. flag over Mt. Surabachi. The bloody battle between the U.S. Marines and Imperial Army of Japan lasted five weeks, killing nearly 7,000 American Marines and more than 20,000 Japanese fighters.
During that decisive WWII victory, White was wounded by a grenade that detonated just a few inches from him. He was later awarded the Purple Heart.
After having spent 30 years on active duty, White was taken off the battlefield as a result of his injuries.
White said he’s had a lifetime full of unforgettable experiences and has collected objects and filled scrapbooks to remind him of special memories. He keeps collectables on a bookshelf organized by year.
Now, the young-spirited veteran wants to expand his collection of memories and has asked the public to help by sending him a card this Valentine’s Day.
UCES was thrilled to oblige, said fourth-grade teacher Ashleigh Roberson.
“The kids loved this little project,” she claimed. “Before the video that we showed them was even over, they are already asking if we were going to be able to send him Valentine cards.
“In CKLA, we are starting a unit on the Revolutionary War soon, and we just felt that this project drove home the fact that our freedom isn’t free. Many have paid the ultimate price throughout past generations to ensure that we can enjoy the liberties that we enjoy today.”
White insisted in a recent interview that he’ll save each card and they’ll be a personal part of history. He went on to say that his love for scrapbooking keeps him busy and allows him to keep track of his life’s special events.