Four naval aviators from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8, joined other local veterans at Coronado Village Elementary School in Coronado, Calif., as part of their annual Veterans Day Celebration, Nov. 10.

A group of MH-60S Seahawk pilots met with students between 3rd and 5th grade, to discuss the significance of Veterans Day and honoring U.S. service members.

Along with HSC-8's volunteers, parents and grandparents of Coronado Village Elementary students, who are military veterans, were invited to accompany their children for the day's festivities. With three bases located no more than five miles from Coronado schools, there was a strong presence of active duty parents serving in the Navy and Marine Corps.

The morning started with children escorting their guests to a patriotic breakfast in the school cafeteria. Coronado Village Elementary Principal Whitney DeSantis kicked off the celebration by welcoming all of the veterans, and invited several 5th grade students to share their thoughts on what Veterans Day means to them.

Emma, a 5th grade student, expressed her gratitude for veterans.

"Today is not just any other day," she said. "Today is a day to show respect to everyone who serves our country. All of you have done so much to help protect the United States, and today is the day we show how much we truly appreciate it. I know how it feels to have a family member deployed, but remembering all of the good they are doing for the country helps to make me feel so much better. Thank you all so much for your dedication."

Emma's father recently completed his tour aboard the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70).

After breakfast, students accompanied their guests to the classrooms where they introduced their veteran to the class. HSC-8 pilots were speakers in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade classes, and shared with the students their experiences serving in the Navy.

Students had the opportunity to ask questions and to thank the veterans for their service. Students gave personal letters to each veteran before standing and singing Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA."

"It's so great to have veterans come and speak with our kids about how they impact the community, and it is important for the kids to meet the veterans and thank them for their service to our country," said Ashlee Phair, a 5th grade teacher.

For more news from Commander, Naval Air Forces, visit http://www.navy.mil/.