[caption id="attachment_26126" align="alignright" width="300"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/SCHOOLS-Beaufort-Academy-1st-graders-honor-Veterans.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-26126" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/SCHOOLS-Beaufort-Academy-1st-graders-honor-Veterans-300x225.jpg" alt="Beaufort Academy 1st graders with representations of their veterans. " width="300" height="225" data-wp-pid="26126" /></a> Beaufort Academy 1st graders with representations of their veterans.[/caption]

<em>Photo above: Captain Michael Ryan (Ret.) with 4th grade students.</em>

Veteran’s day is a time to honor all heroes, and BA embraced the holiday by celebrating Veterans more than just one day. In preparation for Veterans Day, BA students were busy learning about Veterans’ wartime experiences and reflecting on the meaning of Veterans Day by participating in a variety of interactive projects. Students are busy collaborating across grade levels and learning from veterans and special guests too.

The fourth grade invited a special Veteran to class, retired Captain Michael Ryan, a BA grandfather and Vietnam Veteran. The students asked probing questions, learned about life as a soldier in a combat zone, and reflected on the importance of our nation’s commitment to personal liberties and the blessings of freedom. As Mr. Ryan said, “War gave me the ability to count my blessings and it is great to be alive!” This was a special opportunity for both the Veterans and the students!