Heroes Homecoming IV vows to keep legacy of WWII vets alive

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. _ This year’s Heroes Homecoming event is dedicated to honoring the heroic lives of World War II veterans and preserving their legacies for future generations. As part of this mission, Heroes Homecoming IV has created Operation Lives Forever, a campaign and educational program that teach today’s children about the “Greatest Generation” and inspire them to become the torch bearers of these lessons for future generations. As part of the campaign, students from Cumberland County have created a moving video series to share their mission with other students across the nation. The full impact of this inspirational campaign will be on display during Fayetteville’s four-day Heroes Homecoming celebration, taking place this Nov. 3-6.

n commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the United States entering World War II, the Operation Lives Forever campaign is committed to creating a lasting time capsule both online and in the classroom, locally and across the country.

As part of this year’s curriculum, the Cumberland County School System has incorporated special lesson plans to educate students about WWII and the men and women who served. “Most students today do not have a direct link to the struggle of WWII and the rebuilding of the United States in the years after the war,” says Dr. Frank Till, superintendent of Cumberland County Schools. “The responsibility, bravery and sacrifice exhibited by our soldiers during that time are important values and our students are committed to learning these stories and setting an example for their peers across the country.”

All students throughout the county will learn about WWII and the “Greatest Generation” through daily school announcements. Special programs at the grade level include 5th graders writing personal thank you notes and 10th graders writing tributes that will be shared with local veterans. Additionally, all middle and high school students will make special school banners with the lessons and values they’ve learned from studying these veterans. The finished banners from each school will be displayed at local businesses and various events during Heroes Homecoming IV.

Enthusiasts of all ages can visit www.operationlivesforever.comto see a series of videos. Additionally, viewers can watch the first-hand accounts from local WWII veterans, who share graphic accounts of the war. Students and adults alike can contribute to this campaign on social media using #LIVESFOREVER.

For additional information about America’s First Military Sanctuary Community, visit www.visitfayettevillenc.comor call 1-888-98-HEROES.