By Katie Quisenberry Allen

Students at Kingsbury Country Day Elementary School celebrated Veterans Day just a few days early this year with a breakfast honoring several local veterans on Friday, Nov. 8.

Veterans from the community were invited to share a morning with eager children with plenty of questions.

After coffee and breakfast the students got to listen to a special guest speaker, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Mike Gammon. He told stories about what an honor it is to serve our country and how every single service member from every branch can make a difference. He told of his career and made a lasting and positive impression on everyone present.

The children then lead veterans to their classrooms for some question and answer time. Erin Allen of Ortonville served in the United States Navy from 2002 to 2007. He spoke to a group of kindergarteners. The children asked many questions. One curious student wanted Allen to explain where on the Navy ships the sailors sleep. Another student asked him what he did specifically on the ship, to which he explained he was a firefighter and that there is a need for firefighters on ships just as there is on land. After many questions were answered and stories told, the grateful kindergartners lined up to give Allen (and army soldier Justin Quisenberry) homemade cards expressing their gratitude, followed by many hugs and smiles.

Quisenberry, of Metamora, served in the US Army from 2004 to 2012. He spoke with the second graders at

Kingsbury who were just as anxious to learn about what makes this holiday so important. This is not the first year Kingsbury has hosted this special event and surely not the last.

Other speakers included were veterans from every branch of the military. Students of all ages had their questions answered and walked out of school on Friday with a newfound respect for those who served to make our country so great. The kindergarten students even better understand freedom and now possess the desire to thank our veterans for such.

As a community member who was present for this special event, I can say I appreciate what Kingsbury does each year to honor our veterans and educate our youth at the same time. The fifth grade student who sang the National Anthem before CW3 Gammon spoke set the tone for the morning, for the day, for the weekend and for November 11th, the day we honor our national heroes. It was an honor to witness this event and an honor to coexist with these incredible servicemen and women.