Carusi Middle School in Cherry Hill hosted a Veteran's Day celebration filled with music and fun, and most important the chance to learn what it's like to serve our country.
An ode to the stars and stripes from some Cherry Hill students to honor the freedom our veterans helped to protect.
Over two dozen military men and women from different generations spoke to classes at Carusi Middle School as part of the annual Veterans Day celebration.
"You get to hear what actually happened and not just from reading it," said Niara Wilcox.
Thomas DeCasere was a member of the 82nd Airborne division at Fort Bragg. In 1950 he was deployed to Korea where the paratrooper went straight to the front lines.
"My war was every day in a new foxhole, get up in the morning and go to the next fight, and hope you survive that day," said Thomas DeCarere.
No matter the war, no matter the experience these veterans spoke of camaraderie and the importance of serving your country.
Organizers explain hearing first-hand accounts gives lessons a history book cannot.
"Community service, service to your country, and hard work," said Social Studies teacher, Marc Pierlott.
The veterans also bring in items like a helmet to illustrate their stories and really give students an idea of what it's like in the military. It is a lesson the students appreciated.
"They should always remember that regardless of what freedom they have, it didn't come without a price. People had to pay for it," said DeCarere.
"I think it's important that we thank them," said 8th grader Nicole Badkas. "I don't think we thank them enough really. They really need to know that we appreciate what they do."
