5/7/2025 - Canton High School Field Trip

On May 7, 2025, history teacher Chris Belch and his fourth-period class experienced a powerful shift from traditional textbook learning of WWII through an unforgettable field trip. The students have been working on an assignment which allowed them to research and learn about the heroism which these veterans displayed. We had the privilege of filming their experience at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly and the Michigan Heroes Museum in Frankenmuth.

When we arrived at the Great Lakes National Cemetery, we were greeted by Russ Sayles, a former Marine who shared the rich history of the cemetery and explained the immense effort and care that goes into maintaining the monumental landscape. His presence was remarkable, and the honor he displayed was unmatched. The students were intrigued and moved with compassion as they located a few of the gravesites of the heroes they had studied. One student even shared a story about his grandfather, who had served in the Korean War. That information led our guide to do a little research, and he was able to find the headstone. This was truly a beautiful moment to witness. In addition, our first crew was filming students at the columbarium where they had a surprise visit from the family of veteran, Tom Houdek. The interaction between them was very engaging and emotional, as the students were eager to hear insight from real family members.

As the day progressed, we made our way to the Michigan Heroes Museum. The students were captivated—and so was the crew. Everyone gathered around as the director, John, shared his knowledge of WWII, explained what a Purple Heart was, and emphasized the importance of preserving the stories of our war heroes. The students were both fascinated and in disbelief at the heroism and hardship that those before us had endured. It was at these locations that we saw the students deepen their understanding of history, actively engage with it, and connect in a way that brought the past vividly to life.