Middle school students take a history tour

Ed Patterson of the Cherokee County Historical and Preservation Society (CHAPS) points to a uniform once worn by local Marine Lance Cpl. Chris Fowlkes that's now on display at the Cherokee County History and Arts Museum. Local middle school students visited a trio of Cherokee County landmarks as part of a lesson about veterans. Local middle school students got quite a workout Friday, but the morning’s lesson required more than physical fitness and stamina to achieve.

On foot, students from Gaffney and Granard middle schools visited a trio of local landmarks where they received brief accounts from veterans about their time in the military.

Postponed due to inclement weather, the “field” trip was originally scheduled to coincide with Veterans Day. Blessed with clear skies the second time around, students visited places like John Q. Little Park, the Cherokee History and Arts Museum and the Cherokee County Public Library’s main branch on Rutledge Avenue.

“Of course, we wouldn’t be able to handle 200 students at a time, but having a walking tour made things easier for us and probably more fun and informative for students,” said Cherokee County History and Arts Museum Director Billy Pennington. “They’re getting the chance to see the museum and library, and walk through historic Gaffney. It’s basically a history tour for them.”

Given a brief lesson about each of the landmarks’ place in local history, veterans then stepped in to present their stories, shedding light on the role servicemen and women play in keeping our nation and its interests safe and secure.

“Veterans Day is a day to recognize veterans, but you can recognize them every day by thanking them or giving them a hug,” said Cherokee County Veterans Affairs Officer Todd Humphries. “They sacrificed their time and bodies, and some paid the ultimate sacrifice in losing their lives, all to protect and serve you.”

According to Humphries, there are approximately 6,000 veterans currently living in Cherokee County. Before ending his presentation, the local V.A. officer issued a mission to students in attendance.

“If you know of any family members that have served in the military, tell them to come see me,” Humphries said. “I want them to know of all the benefits they have earned, and if they do not already get these benefits it’s my job to help them get them.”