DEERING - Fifth-grade teacher Ronda Hall wanted her students to get a lesson in patriotism and history.

In the process, she wanted them to find one of the truths about life - heroes are not always famous people they see on television or those who make a lot of money.

Real heroes are people who do not necessarily seek fame or fortune, but shoulder their share of the work for something they believe in.

Now, those fifth-graders have a bulletin board in the hallway just outside their classroom. It is a tribute to the men and women who have fought or are fighting for their country. The display is called "Heroes in our Hearts."

"I asked the kids to bring in pictures of family members of friends who have been in the military or are in now," Hall said. "We didn't want to limit this to just the people who are in the service now, but include grandparents and parents, too. This brings history to life for them.

"I also want them to understand what a hero really is, that heroes aren't pop stars and athletes, nice though they may be. There are people who put their lives on the line every day for the rest of us. That's a hero."

Fifth-grader Lorna Ceaser said she is looking at her parents a little differently now, thanks to this lesson in patriotism. Both of her parents, Robert and Melissa Ceaser, were in the Army, and her father served in the Persian Gulf war. A photograph of her dad now hangs on the bulletin board.

"This has given me a better perspective about patriotism and about our country," Lorna Cease. "A lot of people, I think, take it for granted.

My dad is a hero because he fought for my freedom."

Ceaser's sentiments were shared by classmate Paige Jenkins.

"A lot of people who don't even know me, but still love our country, are fighting to keep us free," Jenkins said.

The children have written letters to the troops. Some of the children have made small mementos to send the service men and women, too. Tyler Johnson made a small wooden tank he hopes to send to a service man or woman.

Ashley Richendollar made a small cloth prayer pocket.

The fabric sewn together, had an outline of her hand drawn on it. Inside was a short note that she hopes a soldier will carry as they go into battle. The note said that when they are afraid or lonely, they should know that someone back home is praying for them.