Cornwall students host Veterans Day

CORNWALL — The students at Cornwall Consolidated School hosted seven local veterans of the armed forces on the morning of Thursday, Nov. 10, to commemorate Veterans Day.

The retired servicemen represented more than 40 years of combined service, ranging back to 1954 in the Korean War.

“I think it’s great the kids are getting together to honor vets and learn about our past,” said Army Colonel Kirk Harrington.

The eighth graders welcomed each veteran and took their breakfast order. The students conversed with the veterans as they shared experiences about their service.

“What I like is the mutual recognition from kids and the realization of what the day means,” said Dave Cadwell, who served as an Army medic in Vietnam.

The eighth graders then escorted the veterans to the gymnasium for a student-led ceremony. Following the Pledge of Allegiance and national anthem, each grade presented the servicemen with gifts of gratitude. Gifts included handmade bracelets from the first graders and the performance of an acrostic poem by the fifth graders.

Upon completion of the ceremony, the students broke into groups and were paired with a veteran to learn more about their experiences. Questions included: “Where were you stationed?” and “What vehicle did you ride or fly in?”

After the veterans regaled the students with tales from the past, the morning of education and gratification came to an end.

“Thank you for your service!” exclaimed the children.