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Students of Monroe Elementary Honor Veterans [VIDEO]

Veterans were honored with a special breakfast and invited to speak to students about their service.

Students at Monroe Elementary School thanked veterans today with a special breakfast. The children were encouraged to invite a veteran to their school's special observance. Fifteen veterans were treated to breakfast and singing, and invited to share stories about serving our nation.

Second grade students in Mrs. Densky's class sang to veterans who visited them and asked questions about their time in the military. Besides where they served, students wanted to know what the veterans ate and where they slept.

Erin Daly, 7, brought her grandfather Jim Fox. Fox served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956 in Germany and said he was touched by the school's invitation. "This is something I'll always remember," Fox said. 

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Erin explained why it was special for her to honor her grandfather on Veterans Day, "Because he was in the Army and helping other countries. He's a good person. I feel proud today."

Fox, of Tappan, NY, said of his time in the Army, "It was just after World War II and Germany was still recuperating from the Second World War and there were a lot of buildings that were bombed out. It was quite a site to see. I always remember the people over there and thanked God it wasn't here."

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William Collette of Monroe visited his step-daughter Keerston Joyner, age 7.  He said of the morning's program, "It's wonderful. I've long been concerned about the schools and the direction they are going, but something like this renews my hope."

Collete served in the U.S. Navy from 1976 to 1978 and was assigned to a submarine out of San Diego, California. "I went into the Navy just after the (Vietnam) war and it was a time when a lot of people didn't think it was a good idea to be in the military. But there are things that are worth sacrificing for. And the freedoms and liberties we have in this country are worth sacrificing for."

Ryan Perez, age 7, honored his uncle, Carlos Perez, a sergeant in the U.S. Army who served in Germany in the Military Police from 1986 until 1991. Perez, of Huntington, brought in part of his uniform for students to try on. 

"Getting any kind of recognition is wonderful," Perez said.

The veterans where presented with a small gift of a Monroe Elementrary School cookbook, coffee mug, and reusable bag.  Students were also encouraged to bring in photos of service men and women in their lives to display on a special bulletin board at the school's entrance.

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