ALPHA, Ill. — Students at AlWood Elementary School gathered at their gymnasium to celebrate Veterans Day with local veterans, getting a chance to listen to stories, sing songs and learn more about the holiday.
"It was amazing to see the gratitude and appreciation in our students," said, AlWood Elementary principal Reggie Larson, who also served 4 years in the Marine Corps from 1998 to 2002.
Dozens of veterans, ranging from World War II to Iraq, joined the school assembly.
"These kids are going to be the next generation that are going to help support us and make the same sacrifices we did," one veteran commented.
Some of the veterans have children that attend AlWood Elementary and were able to share a moment with them during the assembly.
"I think it was cool because we got to see all of the veterans," AlWood Elementary 5th grader Stella said. "My great-grandpa was there and it was pretty cool."
Students will have the day off from school on Veterans Day.