They were very interested in the slideshow of images from Hurricane Katrina. Their questions showed a depth and level of empathy that can only be admired.
This is Liberty Benton school, home of the little heroes. For the last two Christmases these second-graders have collected books, toys and school supplies for children in Pearlington Mississippi.I have a Thank-you for them, from a friend in Mississippi.
"Hello guys. I guess I should introduce myself. My name is Lloyd Bennett, but my friends call me Benny. I have lived in Mississippi all my life.
I wish that I could be there and shake each of your hands, but unfortunately I cannot leave Mississippi at this time. The next best thing was to write a letter, and I have asked Wendy to read it to you for me.
I am writing this on behalf of the children of Mississippi who were affected by hurricane Katrina.
I don't know if you know what a real hero is. A hero is a person who does something that is above and beyond what would be normally expected of him. Each of you went above and beyond when you gave up your Christmas for children that you have never met. Each and every one of you is a hero. Your unselfishness brought smiles to children who had very little to smile about. A lot of these children lost everything precious to them. Their toys, pets, homes, and in some cases members of their families were taken away from them in just a few hours.
What you have done is show the whole world that this is America, the greatest country in the world, and that just because we live many miles apart we are still friends, and friends look out for each other.
Some day you will be the caretakers of our country. I hope that I am alive to see it, because I will be proud of each of you, and will know that the country is in the hands of heroes.
Thank you so much for the sacrifices you have made. Although we may never meet, you will always be in our hearts, and we love you.
For our children in Mississippi and with all our hearts, we thank you.
Benny Bennett"
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