The celebration of Veterans’ Day extended into Wednesday for a Manitowoc elementary school.
The students and staff at Monroe Elementary School on Manitowoc’s south side welcomed in veterans from all branches of the military for a parade through the halls of the school, followed by a presentation in the gym, where the students sang about their appreciation.
Students in the 5th-grade class led the presentation, including an in memoriam segment for a former Monroe student, Marine Corporal Justin J. Cain, who died in Afghanistan at the age of 22.
His cousin’s daughter spoke about Corporal Cain’s sacrifice and the type of person he was.
“Justin was deeply affected by the attacks on September 11th, 2001, and he knew right away he wanted to join the Marine Corps,” she explained. “Justin was known for his kindness, his caring heart, and his willingness to help anyone in need. Those who knew him said he had a heart of gold.”
Members of the Vietnam Veterans of America were also on hand to perform the traditional setting of the Fallen Comrade Table.
Students took turns describing each segment of the table setting and its meaning.
This is the second year that Monroe Elementary has hosted a Veterans’ Day celebration, but the first with a presentation about the significance of the day.
