BEING WHO WE WANT OUR CHILDREN TO BECOME

This week begins with the Day of the Dead, one of the oldest celebrations of the Americas.  In honoring the festival, those who have died at this time, Patty Mara , an artist, created a clay skull whose banner over the head reads “Children of War.” She did this to honor the children who have died in the war in Iraq, as well as children here who have lost their parents in the war. As your students learn about this festival, can you incorporate an offering to the dead in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan? This week I will post daily on some aspect of the wars as related to the truth tellers from Americans Who Tell the Truth, thus hoping to create an “offering ” of sorts to their courage and perseverance in speaking out about the cyclical ,  unending need of the United States government to engage in war and occupation around the world. The more students understand the true nature of war and what it robs us of , beyond the dead we honor and call to at this festival, there are other “deaths” that I will refer to this week. I hope you will consider creating an offering in your classroom. You might have students who have lost a family member in war or who have neighbors/friends who are more directly connected. In general, though, what I believe this “alter/offering” can imply by its creation is that we are ALL connected and therefore, these wars are ours. The question is : what are we going to do with and about them? The Americans Who Tell the Truth curriculum is adding a section on War and the study of its implications. I’ll let you know when it’s up and running!Here is a photo of the clay skull Ms. Mara createdThis ceramic “sugar” skull mask was made to honor and remember all the children who suffer because of war. “Children of War” is inscribed on the name banner at the top of the mask. It has hung on my Day of the Dead altar for 2 years, next to pictures of children from Iraq and children of our soldiers. Watch this beautiful video that describes well the intent and sacred nature of the Day of the Dead festivals.