History is about real people and the places they lived. It is about their stories. Too often in the study of history, our education misses this facet. Last week our older students were part of an extraordinary discussion. One of our students told us her grandfather was in World War II. He is now 99 years old, living independently in Baldwinsville and driving a car. We invited him to The New School and in preparation, we asked our students to develop at least two questions they would like to ask him. They came up with thoughtful and provoking questions. After Clarence sat in our “guest chair,” the children took turns asking their questions and we were treated to an extraordinary piece of history. The story he shared isn’t in a book, but is firmly in the memory of a Staff Sergeant in the Army whose job was to remove bombs and build bridges. Clarence Randall was a member of the Army Engineers and he experienced the Blitz in London, and warfare in France and Germany. He shared stories and artifacts. He brought his uniform which he told us still fits today. It is our hope our students will remember this moment and how lucky they were to talk to someone, face to face, about their experience of fighting a world war.