Veterans join elementary students for lunch and swap stories

This Veteran’s Day at Fredstrom elementary there were plenty of full smiles and full stomachs as veterans joined the students for lunch today.

“Very special to eat lunch with a veteran because it’s a celebration of how they keep us free,” First grader, Lainey Horan said. 

With around 90 veterans visiting, there were plenty of conversations about what it means to serve the country.

“We have a lot of parents that are close to the national guard over here, so we have a lot of people that are serving as parents right now that are in the service as well,” Fredstrom elementary Principal, Cheryl Richter said. 

Kindergarteners, first and second graders sat down with their favorite veterans for a lunch they are excited about year to year.

“…both of my grandpas and somebody else that was in the Navy,” Horan said. 

This marks the 17th year of the school’s tradition.

Principal Richter says in the first year, “We had some veterans that were in WWII, and the kids would ask them questions and they would talk about flying or somewhere on ships. And as years gone by, there actually are fewer and fewer people who actually are veterans from WWII,” which makes the lunch ever so special.

Roberto Garcia, who toured in Iraq, sat for lunch with his niece Mallory.

“It feels great to show these kids what it feels like to be in the military. People are proud of it and hopefully they see that and follow in our footsteps.” Lance Corporal, Roberto Garcia said. 

Brint and Vince Lemke got to spend their lunch with their youngest member, Kennedi, Brint’s daughter and Vince’s granddaughter.

“I tell my kids a lot of things that I did. A lot of things are left out, but just different things, and to appreciate the veterans, appreciate the services that they do,” Brint Lemke said.

This special lunch on this Veteran’s Day reaches far beyond what can be measured, reminding us all the importance of family.

“Once I did get out, I was lost, and I still miss the military family, I try to get around to my military family, staying connected with them. It’s an experience that I’ll never forget,” Vince Lemke said.