by Kathy Chaffin
kchaffin@salisburypost.comThe AIG class at Mount Ulla Elementary School is trying to raise enough money to send three World War II veterans on the “Flight of Honor,” a Rotary International project dedicated to send veterans to the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Teacher Alexandra Shadroui said the class needs to raise $1,500 for the veterans to fly on the Flight of Honor. Students have been working since the start of school planning the fundraiser, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 7, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Rowan Museum at 202 N. Main St.
A representative of the Flight of Honor will be at the event to talk to the veterans and explain how they can apply for the program.
Shadroui said the fundraiser will honor World War II veterans by providing entertainment including swing music, refreshments, door prizes and a 1940s costume competition. World War II veterans and one guest apiece will be admitted free.
The general public is also invited for a suggested donation of $10 to $20, and everyone is encouraged to participate in period dress, dancing and more. The Rowan Museum exhibit highlighting North Carolina’s World War II experience will be open for viewing during the fundraiser.
Shadroui said the fundraiser is the result of weeks of learning, reading and researching the state’s World War II experience as well as a problem-solving assignment given to students to develop and plan an event for Rowan County’s World War II veterans.
“They were given a letter that supposedly came from the Rowan County commissioners that told them they were members of a veterans council,” she said, “and that they needed to plan an event that would honor World War II veterans while highlighting North Carolina’s experience in the war.”
Shadroui said Rowan County Commissioner John Barber agreed to assist with the assignment by listening to the ideas from different groups of students in the class.
The class also visited Bobby Mault’s “Price of Freedom Museum” in the old Patterson School earlier this month. “They learned about what life was like during World War II,” Shadroui said, “and developed an appreciation for the sacrifices made during this time period. I think they saw the need to honor these veterans while they’re still with us.”
Students also read narratives from World War II soldiers to get a feel for what it was like to serve in the war.
While planning for the Nov. 7 fundraiser, Shadroui said students made numerous phone calls and wrote letters to get everything set up.
There are only 75 tickets available to the general public for this special afternoon to meet, honor and support Rowan County’s World War II veterans. They are available at the Rowan County Convention and Visitors’ Bureau on Innes Street in Salisbury and at Mault Brothers Texaco Service on W. N.C. 152 in China Grove.
Checks may be written to “Triad Flight of Honor.”
Though admission is free for World War II veterans and one guest apiece, they are also asked to pick up tickets beforehand at the same locations. Shadroui said any veteran who is not able to pick up a ticket can call her at Mount Ulla Elementary School at 704-278-2750 or e-mail her at shadroui@rss.k12.nc.us.
Sponsors of the event are Krispy Kreme, Cheerwine and the Rowan Museum. Donations are still being accepted to help with the event.
Contact Kathy Chaffin at 704-797-4249.