Hero Cards’ Grateful Nation Project aims to connect students to those who gave “the last full measure of devotion”
OCONOMOWOC, WISCONSIN – May 17, 2023 – When Lake Country Classical Academy (LCCA) in Oconomowoc began implementing the “Grateful Nation Project” in early May, each 3rd-10th grade student was handed a Hero Card picturing a U.S. soldier, sailor, or airman who gave “the last full measure of devotion” for their country.
Students were tasked with learning more about that individual and are given the option to present at the school’s student assemblies.
Lake Country Classical Academy students (L-R) Elliya Alexander, Theo Gill, and Blake Samson with their Hero Cards, participating in the “Grateful Nation Project.”
“We feel that the Grateful Nation Project is a good opportunity for our K-10th grade students to gain a better understanding and appreciation for what citizenship and patriotism really mean—by hearing the personal stories of these American servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said LCCA Head Principal Margaret Daigneau. “Through student presentations each morning throughout the month of May, we’re learning about the lives of real American heroes.”
The Grateful Nation Project from Hero Cards is a program for schools, designed to connect students to those who gave their lives in service of the country, from the Revolutionary War to the present day. Each card has a service member’s image, basic information, and a brief part of their story—along with a number for a website bio page with source links.
Each Hero Card has one fallen service member’s image and basic information, leading to a more detailed online story.
“There’s a tendency for even the best school curricula to cover our nation’s history in a very general way,” said Craig Du Mez, co-founder of Hero Cards. “We learn about the politics, the geography, the strategies of war. Our aim is to introduce students to the individuals who put their lives on the line so we can live as a free people. It’s so important to understand that these heroes are real people with real families. We’re not trying to glorify war, the military, or even these individuals. But we do need to understand what they did, and the proper response is one of gratitude. LCCA clearly understands that.”
The school also has students introducing the heroes to the wider community. Prior to Memorial Day, each elementary student will place a flag on the lawn in front of the school. Third- through sixth-grade students will label their flag with their hero’s name and honor him/her individually in the display.
The Grateful Nation Project is available at herocards.us/schools and delivers a Hero Card that leads to an online bio story for $1 per student. Sponsors can be secured to bring the Project to schools at no cost.
Hero Cards honor the sacrifices made by every member of the U.S. military—from the Revolutionary War to present day—who lost their life while serving.
About Lake Country Classical Academy
Lake Country Classical Academy is a public, tuition-free, teacher-led, K-12 charter school, providing a content-rich, classical education in the liberal arts and sciences, with instruction in the principles of moral character and civic virtue. The LCCA West Campus (grades 7-10) is located in Oconomowoc, WI, and the East Campus (grades K-6) in Okauchee, WI. For more information, visit lakecountryclassical.org.
About Hero Cards
Hero Cards Benefit Corporation’s mission is to honor the sacrifices made by every member of the U.S. military who lost their life while serving. The organization is creating a Hero Card for every fallen service member, and a permanent online archive to preserve each of their stories for future generations. Hero Cards are designed and made in the USA. For more information, visit herocards.us.
Press Contacts:
Craig Du Mez
Hero Cards Benefit Corporation
Margaret Daigneau
Lake Country Classical Academy
