PERSPECTIVE FROM THE 19^TH HOLE: This is the title I chose for my personal blog, which is meant to give me an outlet for one of my favorite crafts – writing – plus use an image from my favorite sport, golf. Out of college, my first job was as a reporter for the Daily Astorian in Astoria, Oregon, and I went on from there to practice writing in all of my professional positions, including as a Congressional press secretary in Washington, D.C., an Oregon state government manager in Salem and Portland, press secretary for Oregon’s last Republican governor (Vic Atiyeh), and a private sector lobbyist. This blog also allows me to link another favorite pastime – politics and the art of developing public policy – to what I write.

The exclamation in the headline pertains to a great weekend for me, one from which I just returned, but the memories will stay with me for a lifetime.

I had the privilege to head up to Woodinville, Washington at the request of my 10-year-old granddaughter, Kate, to be part of a grade school assembly where she, as an officer in her class, played one of the leading roles in a program to honor the nation’s veterans.

I am one, though I “only” served for six years in the U.S. Army Reserve, which my friends with more distinguished military service records said still counts for veteran status.

When your granddaughter asks for a favor, you don’t say no!

So, I was glad to head up north for what I assumed would be a relatively routine weekend. But, then, I encountered surprise after surprise.

Here’s a rundown:

• When I arrived at Wellington Grade School, my granddaughter said she wanted me, as a veteran, to join a parade with her to go into the gymnasium. We joined about 50 other veterans and their families to parade into the gym to thunderous applause, as we introduced ourselves and provided connections to a student at the school.
• Kate then proceeded to join two other students to serve as masters-of-ceremonies for a very impressive event, the most impressive one I have seen at any grade school in too many years of life to mention.
• Every student in the school participated in the assembly, often joining their voices in song to honor America.  The longest serving veteran at the assemblyu, by the way, was a gentleman whose service dated back to World War II. For me, it was back to the Vietnam war era, though as reservist, I did not go in-country in what was a devastating war, one from which many persons my age, including several personal friends, have never fully recovered.
• The large crowd in the gymnasium stood as one when a color guard from the University of Washington ROTC program presented the colors, marching in lockstep down the floor to plant the American flag. While everyone stood, a number of veterans in uniform saluted.
• In song after song over the next hour, the students expressed their allegiance to America. My wife and I could not help but notice that many of the students were children of immigrants, which tempts me to make a political statement or two, but, for now at least, I’ll refrain in order to emphasize the impressive character of a student body acting as one to honor America and those who served.
• After the assembly, another surprise for me. Along with my wife, Nancy, and my daughter, Lissy, we visited Kate’s class. The teacher there, Jim Booth, was more than impressive. I have only seen one person in my life – my daughter-in-law, Holly Fiskum – who is able to work so much magic with grade schoolers.
• After reading parts of a book to the class, with entertainment-level diction and huge vocal expression, which had the students spellbound (me, too), Jim asked me to come up and sit in the “hot seat.” Not knowing what was about to occur, I took my place and the class proceeded to sing happy birthday to me in two languages – English and Spanish. [Yes, my birthday was on November 2.]
• Jim then proceeded to ask me about my military service. His question gave me an opportunity to emphasize, not my own service, but how important it is or all Americans – young and old alike — to consider volunteering in service to your country – either in the military or in life. As an aside, my granddaughter is vice president for philanthropy for her class, a role that asks her to lead various helping-hand services. A great learning experience for all the students.
• One of the students in the class nearly brought me to tears when, as I was leaving, she brought me a spontaneous gift – a drawing she had made with her own hand. Clearly, a keepsake for me!

I came away from the weekend experience with a renewed appreciation and respect for those who work in our classrooms, as well as for the students who, with a wonderful, Pied-Piper-like teacher, appear to eager to learn.

I also came away with huge appreciation for the commitment of students and teachers alike to express their love for America a day or two ahead of Veterans’ Day – and particularly to those men and women alike who have sacrificed to serve.

That’s one great weekend!