Submitted by Betty Westfall
8th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Calhoun County Middle School
Calhoun County's 8th grade students want to join with other 8th grade students throughout West Virginia to help rebuild the
Pentagon. We received a letter from Moorefield Middle School asking us to show our support for our country. They are
asking every 8th grade West Virginia History student to donate $1.00 to a fund that could be used to help rebuild the damaged
section of the Pentagon.
Many of us have heard the saying "It takes an act of Congress to change anything." Well, Lasidi Helmick, an 8th grade
student from Moorefield Middle School has initiated "an act of Congress." She suggested that everyone in her school donate
one dollar to rebuild the Pentagon. After contacting the staff of Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, it was learned that any money
donated to the federal government goes into the general fund or toward debt reduction. Capito introduced a bill that would
allow the Department of Defense to accept donations to rebuild the Pentagon. The bill won't be acted on, but the concept was
incorporated into an amendment to a defense reauthorization bill. The amendment passed and the House approved the bill by
a vote of 398-17.
The Show Your Pride in the Military Act authorizes the Secretary of Defense to accept contributions from individuals for the
sole purpose of assisting in the repair of the damage caused to the Pentagon by the terrorist attack that occurred on September
11, 2001. This plan allows everybody to help rebuild this important building, which serves as a symbol of our freedom and
security.
Our students are bringing in money to help rebuild. They are excited to be playing a part in helping our country overcome
the attacks on our freedom. I challenge each parent of an 8th grade student to donate one dollar to assist in this endeavor.
Yes, we can make a difference!
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