Leonard Elementary fifth-graders demonstrated their sincere appreciation and admiration for the men and women who served in the military during the school’s annual veterans celebration last week.

“Veterans are extraordinary,” said fifth-grader Brayden Travis. “Because of you, we are here, happy and safe. We are proud of you and how you stood up for us kids and all of America.”

Twenty-eight veterans participated in the event during which students interviewed them about their experiences and sacrifices as members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The students looked at old photographs and medals, and even used globes to learn about where each veteran served during times of war and peace.

Leonard Principal Paul McDevitt believes it’s important for students to learn history from people who lived it as opposed to just reading about it textbooks.

The veterans came from Leonard, Lakeville, Oxford, Romeo, Almont, Attica, Clarkston, Fowlerville, Lapeer, Richmond, Washington Township, Posen and Detroit.

Following the interviews, some of the students recited speeches to honor their guests.

“You are the heroes of the world,” said fifth-grader Ben Bruski, whose grandfather served in Vietnam.

“You guys are the best people anywhere. I wish I could be like you one day. You are brave, strong, thoughtful and a whole bunch more. I love every veteran in the world.”

Fifth-grader Ashlynn Redhage noted how Americans owe their freedoms and the way of life they enjoy today to veterans.

“I wouldn’t be here saying this speech right now if it weren’t for you,” she said. “Leonard Elementary might not even (be) here if it (wasn’t) for you veterans fighting wars.”

Fifth-grader Aine Houston called veterans “caring, selfless and brave.”

“You risked your lives for us and, for that, I give you my gratitude,” she said. “You had the guts to go into the military. Most of us never have those guts.”

The veterans were very grateful to the students and staff for celebrating their service and advancing the cause of patriotism.

Korean War veteran Geno Mallia, Sr., of Leonard, noted how for many years, veterans of the Korean and Vietnam wars were neglected and forgotten. “There were no good stories about us,” he said.

But now, “veterans are idolized.”

“I’ve got to thank each one of you children for doing that,” he said. “Each one of you should be proud of yourself.”