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Local Students Honor Veterans

Local Students Honor Veterans - Friday, November 7, 2008 at 2:45PM EST

Reported by: Kyla Campbell
Friday, Nov 7, 2008 @ 02:45pm EST
BLOOMSBURG, COLUMBIA COUNTY -- At Central Columbia Middle School, the veterans taking part in the "Bring a Vet to School" program shared their stories of service, explained what war was like, and showed them their purple hearts.

"You gave up everything you had to fight for your country's freedom," read one 7th grader's poem. "Thank you."

The Veteran's Day celebration comes a few days early, as students wrote essays and poems for the veterans.

"It's interesting because the kids will take a timeout and think about something outside their world," said Dan Yarnell, the Social Studies teacher who organized the event. "Through this, I think the kids realize what these men and women went through to make sure we have the freedoms we have today."

"We learned how much the veterans did and that this country wouldn't be the same if they weren't here for us," said Adam Zalewski, a 7th grader at Central Columbia. "They made a lot of sacrifices for people they didn't even know."

More than 20 veterans from different generations took part -- they fought in World War II, Vietnam, Korea, the Gulf War, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"We're fortunate to get these younger fellows in," said John Paul of Bloomsburg, a WWII veteran. "We're getting a little old, and we'd like to share our stories, and we'd like to know what they went through."

"They had it worse than us," said Timothy Waters of Bloomsburg, who is in the Navy and went to Iraq. "At least with today's technology, every day you can talk to someone at home."

Although their experiences differ, their goal is the same.

"We're just trying to tell the younger generation that freedom isn't free," added Paul.

That's a message these students heard loud and clear. One poem read, "I am beyond thankful for everything you've done for our country and also the right you've given me -- freedom."

Yarnell says he incorporates veterans as much as he can into his Social Studies classes because WWII veterans are dying at a rate of 1,300 a day across the country. He even teaches a nine-week course where the veterans are co-teachers.

"I want them to share their knowledge and stories so their legacy lives on," added Yarnell.

It's something that's ingrained in his students.

"They did so much for our country," said Madeline Padner. "I think no matter how old you are, you should be thankful and honor them on Veteran's Day."

It's a lesson anyone, any age can understand.

 


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