Go to the source and read the rest of this story. There's a great lesson here for more people than just this class full of students.

And consider this source. This is true, and a great teaching effort.

It is the VETERAN, not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the VETERAN, not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the VETERAN, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.

It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the VETERAN, not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.

It is the VETERAN,
who salutes the Flag,

And it is the VETERAN
who serves under the Flag

I had not seen or heard this and I live next door to Arkansas. Also, a retired teacher and wife of a veteran. Most people in the USA have no idea of the sacrifices of the military families (not just the vet) while their loved one is away. The families earn those desks, also.

I think this is a nice way to teach children to appreciate what they have. That said...

I don't mean any disrespect at all to the military. But isn't this a bit extreme? Just about all countries have a military, and most have desks too. So are we basically just saying that everything in the world that people have is provided to them thanks to the military? If so, what a sad state of affairs.

I'm a VET so I can relate. In the U.S. we have our WW II vets to thank for all of the above. Had it not been for them and their many sacrifices, we would all be speaking German, or maybe even Japanese. In fact, many of us wouldn't be here today doing what we are doing right now, our world with its many freedoms would simply not exist.

I beleive that was the lesson the teacher was trying to convey. ; )

I have no idea if this is true or not and frankly it matters not a jot; it's a fantastic story that teaches some basics that many take for granted.

I guess the parents of those vets, the parents who instilled values and beliefs, had nothing to do with it.

How far back do you think we should go BBear?

While I understand there is value in the basic intent of the lesson, I think it overstates the case and arguably has the potential to become a jingoistic tool of a militaristic perspective. It sort of reminds me of something from Starship Troopers.

The value of understanding that those who have served have offered us the good life we hopefully live is important, but why not do the same for judges, jurors, and so forth?

Just a little too much grandstand and Broadway lights here is all I'm saying.

You have a good point BBear and put it very well.

It's a true story and one worth repeating.

The point here is that many kids don't realize the sacrifice made by others before them, and it seems like many adults do not realize it as well. It's too easy to not think about previous sacrifices and only think of the immediate and selfish issues.

No one wants war. Especially the soldiers, believe it or not. Sure they train hard and want to put the training to good use, but they'd rather not be overseas if they didn't have to go. But they are there and paying the ultimate sacrifice so that their kids and grand kids one day can enjoy living free.

Thanks to all who popped this clip!

As a vet myself, this was a real nice gesture on the teachers part.

Eric... todays society of spoiled brat kids don't respond to small stimuli anymore. They are so consumed in their own selfish ways and thinking that a smack in the head is needed to get their attention.

I wish there was a double pop button!