They are so easy to forget. This country calls up men and women to serve during wartime, and when the fighting is over, we tend to, well, forget them and the sacrifices they made to keep us safe and free.

That isn’t going to happen this Veteran’s Day at Central Baldwin Middle School. Not if teachers Dawn Hopper and Nancy Kelly have anything to say about it. The pair are part of a committee set up at CBMS to honor veterans on their special day.

“We have been doing this for the past three or four years,” said Hopper, who teaches family and consumer science. “We want to educate children about the history of this country.”

The theme of this year’s commemoration will be “Decades of Dedication to America,” and will spotlight those who have served from 1900 to present day, Hopper added.

The celebration will involve English and History classes, Hopper said. The students will be asked to participate in The Veterans of Foreign Wars’ “Patriot‘s Pen” essay contest. According to a VFW Web site, the “… nationwide competition that gives students in grades 6,7 and 8 the opportunity to write essays expressing their views on democracy. Annually, more than 115,000 students participate in the contest.”

This week, members of the Family Career and Community Leaders of America club at the school will place laundry baskets so each homeroom can collect supplies for the William F. Green State Veterans Home in Bay Minette.

“Each student received a list of items,“ said Hopper. If a member of the public would like to donate things like deodorant, socks, personal hygiene items, puzzles, games or nonperishable snacks, they can sent with a student or be brought to the school’s office, says Assistant Principal Faye Sheppard. The donations will be picked up by members of the veteran’s home on Friday, Nov. 7.

The school will host a number of veterans who will share their experiences with the students.

“We are asking friends and family to come and talk to the students,” said Hopper. “This will be a chance for the students to hear from a real American hero.”

The program is well received by the students, Kelly says. Kelly teaches art classes at the school.

“They have so much respect (for the veterans) said Kelly. “They know they have the life they do because of them.”

Veterans who would like to speak are asked to call the school office at 947-2327 and a member of the committee will call back.

The week of Oct. 27 will see the return of the American Red Cross for the annual blood drive.

“The parents give (blood), but the kids get the incentive,” said Hopper. ”The teachers and staff also give.” Hopper is hoping that 40 pints can be collected this year.

The kids also get into the act with a door decorating contest. The doors will be judged by the visiting veterans.

“Each home room decorates the doors,” said Hopper. “The kids really get into that.”

Patriotism is alive and well at CBMS, both women report. Both have had students with a keen interest in joining the military, and both know of several who take the oath and join each year.

The week of Nov. 3 will concentrate on the national election and getting ready for the Veterans Day program at 9 a.m. in the gym.

“We want the community to be part of it (the celebration) said Hopper. “After 9/11 there were yellow ribbons everywhere. That’s declined, but we want to remind people that patriotism is still recognized and honored.”

Following are items requested from students and the community to be included in baskets to be donated to the William F. Green Veteran’s Home:

Tootsie roll pops, packaged snacks like Little Debbies, sugar free soft candy, Nabs/small snacks like chips (they love cheese puffs), sugar free wafers, non-skid socks/slipper socks, gloves/gloves without fingers, diabetic socks, AA, AAA batteries, handheld radios, T-shirts (white or dark colors sizes large to 4XL, windbreakers, long sleeve t-shirts/pullover t-shirts, pajama pants/jogging pants, anything patriotic (keychains, stickers, magnets), small flashlights with batteries, interesting pictures to hang in rooms, large wall calendars with large numbers, small pillows (for their backs in their wheelchairs), bags for wheelchairs to store things, easels/canvases, tennis shoes with Velcro (sizes 9 to 14), paintable wooden objects, brushes and paints, DVDs (classics/Frank Sinatra), CDs (oldies, jazz gospel, country, etc.), wooden puzzles, small objects that are handheld and soft.

There will be a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28 in the CBMS library.

For an appointment call Darlene Smith at 947-2327.