Veterans are frequently recognized for their service by older generations, but it's more difficult to forge a bond with younger people who may not fully understand their significance.

On Monday, Montowese Elementary School hosted approximately 35 local veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War in a commemoration of Veterans Day. The veterans brought wartime trinkets and shared their experiences with the students, who listened eagerly to those who had fought the wars they had read about.

The event was organized by Stephen Wronski, a fifth-grade teacher at the school who also served as a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. Wronski began bringing veterans to the school 17 years ago, and the event has grown in popularity every year.

With students only reading accounts of battles in dusty schoolbooks, it's hard to connect with past wars, but hearing stories of bombing missions and touching medals can make them feel real. Wronski spoke of a veteran only one generation older than him who helped inspire the idea for Monday's event. North Haven's Wally Bassett, who served in World War II, was known around town as "Mr. Veteran." As a child, he had gone to school and been visited by veterans who had fought in the Civil War. We think of that time period as ancient and gone, but it happened not so long ago.

"I think it's important for the children to have living history," said Wronski. "To bring the experience of veterans to children and to understand the meaning of Veterans Day."

Second Selectman and State Rep. Steve Fontana, Third Selectman Michael Freda, and State Sen. Len Fasano were also on hand to thank the veterans for their service.

"We need you more than ever to do what you're doing today," said Fontana. "You're our heroes and we're very appreciative."

Wronski's aunt and uncle, Mildred McMann and Albert Anderson, spoke of their own memories of wartime over lunch. Anderson remembered the debate over whether the U.S. should enter what was considered to be a European war, and meetings between Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Winston Churchill. McMann shared fond memories of soldiers returning home after victory, arriving in New Haven.

"Everybody was so happy," she said.

After having lunch, the veterans dispersed to classrooms to share their stories with the students. Jim Fontana, who served in the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel in World War II, described arriving in boot camp for the first time to a group of fifth graders.

"I had never seen an airplane on the ground before," he said. "It was my first time." Soon Fontana had a rough introduction to flying - he was taken up 8,000 feet in the air as the pilot looped and stalled the plane in an effort to see how strong Fontana's stomach was. After proving that he had the mettle to handle the job, Fontana was soon flying himself. During the war, Fontana was stationed in France with the Ninth Air Force. One of his specialties became the B-26 Marauder, a plane which was notoriously difficult to pilot. "Even President Truman said it was a killer airplane," said Fontana as he held up a picture of the aircraft.

The students had written down questions for the veterans, asking how they felt when the war was over or if they had any family members in the war with them. One student asked the veterans if they were ever scared during wartime.

"Every day," answered Fontana.

As time passes and the veterans age, they grow more important. Soon it will be a rare thing to find a living World War II veteran, and Monday offered a unique opportunity to learn from them.

"You guys are our history...you are the history books," said Fasano. "Thank you."