American Fork » For many Barratt Elementary School students, Feb. 23 was a day most of the students, parents and faculty would like to forget, even thought they cannot.
It was the day then-kindergartner Kai Alleman's father, Michael Alleman, was killed serving in Iraq.
"It was a tough day," said PTA President Ellen Bodine. "I think it was probably tougher on the adults than it was on the kids, because the adults understand a little bit more -- or we think we do anyway."
Barratt Elementary honored the Alleman family at a patriotic ceremony outside the school Friday morning.
"Last year, boys and girls, we had a very, very sad event," Principal Brent Palmer told students under a bright rising sun.
"One of our parents, serving in Iraq, was there helping to defend our freedom and the freedoms of [Iraqi] people, and he gave his life," Palmer said. "... He was a wonderful man. He was a teacher. That makes me have even more of a special bond for him."
When Alleman joined the military less than two years ago, the father of two worked as a fifth-grade teacher.
Palmer, American Fork Mayor Heber Thompson, retired Air Force Lt. Col. Lewis Garrett, and Amy Alleman, Kai's mother and Michael's widow, each spoke to students beneath an American flag flying high above the scene, attached to an extended fire truck ladder.
The flag once flew in Iraq.
"In the future, we'll be turning over to you the leadership of the country," Palmer told students, "and it'll be your job to protect it, and to make it better, and to help solve problems that we have. ... We need you to make sure our country stays strong and free."
Concerned that students are growing up without knowing the words to the national anthem, Palmer plans to annually host patriotic assemblies. He just hopes future assemblies won't feature such a poignant object lesson: a grieving military family.
Students sang the "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "God Bless The USA," recited the "Pledge of Allegiance" and waved miniature flags. They listened respectfully when Amy Alleman and future Barratt Elementary student Kennet, addressed the crowd.
"We do have so much, and we've paid heavy prices for it," Alleman said through tears. "But I am so proud of Michael for so selflessly giving all that he could, even his own life, to defend and protect the United States of America. I've always been a patriotic person, but now more than ever, I'm filled with the deepest pride to place my hand over my heart and watch the flag gloriously furrow in the wind to tell the world that we are one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all."
After his mother finished her thoughts, Kai took center stage. He was too shy to speak so his mother read his speech as he stood by her side.
"I love my dad," Alleman said. "I am so proud of him. I loved to talk to him while he was in Iraq, and he loved to hear about my school. My dad is proud of me, too. This is my flag they gave me when he passed away. It hangs on my wall in my room. My dad is my hero."
