Kids Say the Darndest Things

Art Linkletter made a career out of the phrase, "Kids Say the Darndest Things." Now some of you may not know who Art Linkletter was...ask your parent or grandparent and chances are, they will know who he was. The son of a minister, he came to television in the 50' and 60's by interviewing children on a variety of subjects, getting their perspective on life issues that often brought laughter, and sometimes a poignant moment when the words of a child captured truth in a powerful way.

I'm not sure why I thought of Art Linketter this evening...haven't seen his old show in probably thirty years. Perhaps it was the encounter I had this morning with a few hundred fourth-sixth graders at Navy Elementary School in Fairfax. Their music teacher, who by the way also says the darndest things from time to time, invited me to attend a special assembly the children were leading in recognition of Veteran's Day. They sang patriotic songs, led the pledge of allegiance, shared essays they had written about the significance of the day, and also asked a lot of great questions of a United States Navy Reserve pilot who spoke to them about his experience flying Navy jets. They asked him if had ever crashed, dropped a bomb, or landed on an air craft carrier. His answers were met with smiles and an occasional look of wonder, followed quickly by more hands raised with more excited voices wanting to ask questions.

There were several veterans in the room who enjoyed this give and take, fascinated by the rapt attention of the usually squirmy children, and appreciative that these young minds were focused on the service and sacrifice of those much older than they. I walked away from that assembly having been instructed well by these young teachers. They taught me the darndest thing...they taught me lessons of appreciation and honor...sacrifice and service...wonder and awe. Perhaps Art Linkletter had it a bit backwards several decades ago...maybe the real challenge was not in the answers children often give, but rather in the questions they ask.

As Veteran's Day passes from the calendar for another year, I am grateful for lessons learned from the questions of children, and for the willingness of so many men and women to serve this nation so faithfully. Children will keep asking questions...may we all keep remembering the blessings of freedom made possible by those who answered their nation's call.

Jim Abernathy