2016 Memorial Day Module

Memorial Day is the day that should have the deepest meaning to Americans and most certainly military veterans and their families. It is a day which recognizes the ultimate sacrifice of American servicemen and servicewoman who offered up their lives in the defense of their country or to help free those oppressed around the world. 

There was a tradition started during World War Two. Most young men volunteered for wartime service overseas and their families of would place a Blue Star Pennant in the window of their house. The Blue Star Families or Parents would demonstrate their family's service through the Blue Star Pennants. Should the family member be killed in combat they transition to becoming a Gold Star Family or Parents. The number one concern for a family who lost a service member in combat is that their country (all of you) not forget who their son or daughter was as a person. 

THIS IS THE NUMBER ONE REASON WHY Brien McMahon HS NAVY JROTC CONTINUES TO PRESENT THIS MEMORIAL DAY MODULE IS TO ENSURE OUR FALLEN ARE NOT FORGOTTEN BY THEIR FELLOW AMERICANS INCLUDING OUR CLASSMATES. 

  
Class Task One: Watch a recent 60 Minutes show (13 minutes) about Gold Star Parents . (Click on the Link)

Class Task Two: On May 3 & 4th (Tuesday and Wednesday), you will watch the movie Taking Chance which is based on a true story of the sacrifice make by a young Marine (Chance Phillips) and his journey back to his family and comrades until his military burial. 

"And I am proud to be an American, where at least I know I am free. And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me."  

Songwriter Lee Greenwood

Medal of Honor Recipient Assignment

You need to have two 8 X 11 papers: 

• Head shot photo [preferably color] or an individual picture
• Facts about this Medal of Honor Recipient

8 X 11 papers will be mounted on black construction paper.

Photo page will include Recipient’s photo, name and the Battle where KIA.

Your job is to make that person KIA to come alive through your presentation.

DUE: Friday May 15^th.

Memorial Day Module: The Second Battle of Fallujah (Operation Phantom Fury)

The Second Battle of Fallujah


Our classes will focus on Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) which is the major military focus in Iraq during the Global War On Terrorism (GWOT). Specifically we will focus on the Second Battle of Fallujah. It would be helpful to read about the First Battle of Fallujah as well. 

Click on the Link Above to Get a basic overview and research some of the associated links. 

Your assignment on day one is to:

1.  Conduct some general research online to develop a basic understanding of that battle.

2. Start a Google Doc for yourself titled "Research on Second Battle of Fallujah" and share that Google Doc with me at 
killackeyr@norwalkps.org  .   Starting today place any information, links, etc. you find interesting as you "mine" the information. Place everything you think is important on this document to manage your information. 

3. Some things to think about:

• Coalition and US Forces versus the Enemy (Al Qaeda, Former Regime Loyalists, Shia Extremists).
• Significance of the City of Fallujah
• Contrast between the First Battle of Fallujah versus the Second Battle of Fallujah.
• What type of environment was this combat taking place in this battle?
• What were the casualties associated with this battle?
• What are some books associated with this battle?
• Who were the American casualties? What can you tell me about the persons who lost their lives in this battle?

The most important thing we do during this Memorial Day Module is to bear witness to their sacrifice. How much effort will you give to honor them...?

Memorial Day Module: Somalia 1993

As we approach Memorial Day, this year we are going to focus on a more recent combat operation, Operation GOTHIC SERPENT in October 1993 in Somalia. Above is the Medal of Honor Citation awarded to Master Sergeant Gary Gordon (as well as his fellow sniper Randall Shugart), 1st SFOD posthumously for their actions on that day.

Reference A: A quick synopsis of the Operation is included here (check this out on your own):
Operation Gothic Serpent Wikipedia

Reference B: For a more formal version of the operation go to the Army Historical Branch version:
US Army in Somalia

We will start this module by reading the above citation that I want you to consider the price paid by American fighting men and woman everyday. With less than 1% of the American population serving in the military and of that 1% an even smaller number of those serviceman serving in a combat environment, it is important for you as an informed and involved citizen to be aware of their sacrifice for our freedom.

Let's get oriented to Somalia to gain some perspective on the country, the people, the politics, and the environment, here is a short video:

Reference C1: 1992 1993 Starvation in Somalia
Reference C2: http://youtu.be/pRAsT5EBXZo  (Post 1993 Anti-Americanism)

Reference D: Now let's review The Battle of The Black Sea by watching the following documentary:

History Channel Black Hawk Down

We will watch the movie: Black Hawk Down and present our upperclassmen battle studies and Memorial Day remembrances based upon that operation and the bravery, heroism, and sacrifice made that day.

Reference E: Black Hawk Down (The Movie)