Fifth grade social studies teacher Brad Puckett (left) stands with Vietnam veteran Marvin (right) in front of Commerce Middle School’s DAV Field of Flags.

Growing up as the son and grandson of veterans—and after 26 years in education—Brad Puckett believes in the importance of teaching students about our nation’s veterans and the meaning behind Veterans Day.

“I tell the kids just about daily, but especially on Veterans Day, the sacrifice our nation’s veterans make,” he said. “I tell them that veterans not only sacrifice time away from home, but they also sacrifice their lives.”

In 2023, while working as a fifth grade social studies teacher at Commerce Middle School in Commerce, Georgia, Puckett decided to teach his students about patriotism with the DAV Field of Flags program after learning about its focus on honoring local veterans while also raising critical funds for ill and injured heroes.

Puckett pitched the idea to the school faculty to host a field of American flags with DAV, and he was thrilled by the support he received. Though excited that the school embraced the concept, he admitted he was initially intimidated by the workload required to bring it to life. Those worries quickly disappeared once he realized DAV provides all the necessary resources to make the event a success.

“I was afraid that it was going to be very time-consuming, but it was a really easy process to get everything set up,” Puckett said.

With all the needed resources and their flag kit in hand, the school community came together to build its own field of flags. The event was such a success, they brought it back for Veterans Day in 2024.

That year was particularly special for Puckett. One evening while putting out flags, he found himself wondering about the impact the field actually had. Just then, he noticed that a man who had been driving by had pulled over. Wearing a Vietnam veteran hat, the man came over to Puckett and introduced himself as Marvin, a former Army medic.

Marvin thanked Puckett for honoring veterans and for involving the younger generations, because when he and other veterans returned home from Vietnam, they were often ignored and unappreciated.

“The flags mean so much to me and all veterans,” Marvin said. “The greatest tragedy is to be forgotten. Thank you for contributing to the education of the next generation. You are the hope of our nation.”

After receiving that message, Puckett realized what the program truly meant to his community.

“When Marvin stopped that day, it reminded me that even if people don’t say anything, they do notice,” Puckett said. “And if just one person expresses gratitude, it’s all worthwhile, especially when it comes from someone who didn’t always receive it.”

“Moments like Marvin’s heartfelt thanks remind us why programs like DAV Field of Flags matter—not just for honoring our veterans but for sharing their service with our next generation,” said DAV National Adjutant and CEO Barry Jesinoski. “It’s thanks to teachers and supporters like Brad that we are able to continue supporting our veterans and ensure their sacrifices are not forgotten.”

If you are interested in learning more about the DAV Field of Flags program and how to get your local school involved, visit dav.org/flags.