California fourth-graders publish book of letters to U.S. soldiers

Published: 2005-06-23

SAN DIEGO (CNS) -- St. Pius X School in Chula Vista recently recognized its fourth-grade class for writing and publishing a book of letters to American soldiers. U.S. Rep. Bob Filner, D-Calif., was on hand to present special first-edition copies of the book, "Dear Soldier -- A Tribute to the Men and Women of Our Armed Forces," to each of its fourth-grade authors. "I wanted to be here because, when your principal sent me the book and showed me what you had done, I was really, really impressed," Filner told the students. "We're going to have to get this throughout the nation because it is an incredible accomplishment." The book includes 25 letters written by students and addressed to the typical soldier. Each letter, which begins with the words "Dear Soldier," is flanked by a series of photos and scanned images of military medals and memorabilia owned by the students' relatives and friends." The letters are really touching," principal Eileen Hanson said. "They are written from the hearts of fourth-graders and they just ask the sweetest things."

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