Veterans were honored Monday morning at an elementary school on Green Bay’s west side. Local 5 was there as hundreds of young students said thank you.
At Keller Elementary School, Veteran’s Day observances began with the raising of the American flag. Then headed into the school’s gym where students said thank you to American heroes.
“For us it’s important that they understand there are people that made sacrifices so that they can live in the country they live and in the way they live,” said Principal Dan Malmberg.
This first annual celebration at Keller honored veterans from the Marines, Coast Guard and Air Force.
“I joined during the time of the draft, but I was not drafted. I enlisted in the Air Force. It was important for me to serve,” said Henry Severson.
Veterans in the Navy and Army too.
“We’re all on the same team, we’re all on the same team,” said Amy Veteran Larry Kabat.
Each spoke briefly, trying to drive home to these young students the sacrifices members of the military make every single day.
“Keeping us safe, protecting our democracy and the freedoms that we have by the U.S. Constitution, that’s what they are all working for,” Severson said.
And the reason they stepped forward when duty called.
“It just gives kids a really good sense of why it’s so important to celebrate this day,” Malmberg said.
“We need to teach our kids today about what it means to be a veteran,” said Severson.
And Monday these children learned, directly from those who deserve so much.
