Fourth graders at William Penn Elementary welcomed LTC(R) Lawrence, U.S. Army, and Anne Marie Christian, U.S. Navy, on Veterans Day. Both are Bethel Park parents with strong ties to the school.
LTC(R) Christian discussed his over 23 years of military service, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as various leadership roles. Anne Marie Christian served for 8 years, beginning as an Ensign and later serving at Naval Air Stations Pensacola and Corpus Christi before transitioning to the Reserves as a Lieutenant.
The Christians presented uniforms, patches, awards, and other military artifacts for students to explore. They explained the significance of each item, discussing the military branches, the meaning of being a veteran, and the importance of service.
Students in Ms. Jennifer Sabol's and Mrs. Bria Throm's fourth-grade classes were engaged during the visit, which provided a meaningful way to honor Veterans Day and foster a deeper appreciation for those who serve.