Prior to Christmas break, 'Iolani School second graders joined 100th Infantry Battalion veterans and their guests for a "Christmas in Italy" luncheon at the Club 100 Clubhouse.
The children sang a favorite Italian song, "Funiculi, Funicula" and several second grade girls performed the hula to the familiar oldie, "Little Brown Gal." The veterans and wives, in return, entertained the group dancing to "God Bless the USA." Later the children wrote Christmas greetings to our soldiers serving aboard.
Everyone had a great time enjoying the spaghetti luncheon and "talking story" as the children asked lots of questions. The veterans were impressed with what the children already knew about the 100th Infantry Battalion and the kind of questions they were asked. "It was a cheerful afternoon!" they said and are looking forward to another joint activity.
When asked about their feelings, second graders responded with, "I felt happy to meet a veteran who served in World War II because World War II is a big part of our country's history;" "It gave me a chance to meet a veteran who actually served in World War II;" and "I was excited to meet a veteran from World War II since we are learning about the war in class."
In February, as part of their yearlong theme, "Celebrating Our Heritage," the children will be interviewing veterans from the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, and Military Intelligence Service about their wartime memories.
