Loma Portal Elementary School hosted veterans from across the services during their annual "Take a Vet to School" Day, Nov 9.

"Take a Vet to School Day" is a national program to connect veterans with students nationwide.

The program was launched in 2007 and thousands of schools nationwide have participated every year. From single class visits to all-school assemblies, these events provide a way for students to learn more about the history and significance of Veterans Day.

Loma Portal began the day with an assembly where Lt. Andrew Wasz, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Det. Southwest's officer-in-charge, and students gave remarks about Veterans Day to the students and staff.

"Veterans Day traces its origins back to Armistice Day, which was started on Nov. 11, 1919 - the first anniversary of the end of World War I," said Wasz. "Over 240,000 veterans live in San Diego County. That's around 13 percent of the population and the third highest veteran population of any county in the United States."

Following the speeches, the students sang "You're a Grand Old Flag." After the assembly, the veterans visited individual classes to share their military experiences with the students.

"Loma Portal has been celebrating Veterans Day for many years," said event organizer Tiffany Trost. "Point Loma is a military community and this is a chance for the students to get to know the military, what they do, and why the military is important."

After the classroom discussions, students enjoyed a special demonstration from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 3. Students were able to interact with and learn about EOD robots.

Throughout the day, students were able to ask questions and learn more about the daily work that veterans do at home and overseas.

U.S. Navy EOD is the world's premier combat force for countering explosive hazards and conducting expeditionary diving and salvage.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1, visit www.navy.mil/.