While Bell Elementary honored past, present and future veterans with a special assembly Wednesday, the thanks from the students may have meant most to those whose service dates back decades. The song and support on display in the school’s gymnasium was a stark contrast to the experience they had coming back from war. 

 

 

 

“This is great. It’s a lot different than the first time I got off the plane from Vietnam,” said Army veteran George Hull. “Everything is getting better for the veterans.”

 

“Today was great. I served during the Vietnam era. You didn’t get many welcomes home other than from your family. It wasn’t socially convenient to be in the Military then,” said Army veteran Kevin Keegan. 

 

Members of Student Council recited a poem, and other students sang a medley of songs honoring veterans. 

 

“It is important to show pride and support for our country,” said fifth grader Aubriana Tyler. 

 

“This is the first one of these (events) I’ve ever gotten to attend. It’s interesting to see all of the youngsters get caught up in support of the nation. It didn’t used to be like that,” said Aubriana’s grandfather and Vietnam veteran Charles Duncan Jr. 

 

 

 

Past, present and future veterans also spoke to the students. Retired Air Force officer Bryan Stegehuis, Army Staff Sargeant Kyle Krause and Windsor Central High School senior and Navy recruit Jenna Murdock shared their thoughts about service.

 

“Veterans sacrificed to take care of the country. You owe it to them to take care of them when they’re done with their service,” said Stegehuis.

 

“No matter what type or war or peacetime mission they had, when you see a veteran you should thank them,” said Krause.

 

“Being in the Military is something to be proud of. It should mean a lot to them that people spend their day protecting them so they can have a bright future,” said Murdock.