Giovanny Noel was so moved he could hardly speak. "It's kind of sad. He left school to be in the war," the Turn of River Middle School eighth-grader said, battling his emotions. He had just spoken with 83-year-old World War II veteran Jimmy Nestor as part of the school's pre-Veterans Day celebration Friday morning.
Nestor left Stamford High School during his junior year to enlist in the Army. He was among the first U.S. troops to set foot in Japan after atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He eventually received his high school diploma, with the Class of 1970.
Giovanny felt better after being reminded that sacrifices made by Nestor and other veterans were for freedom. The student said he realizes they made it possible for him to become whatever he wants.
That was the point of the program, which included a breakfast, small-group conversations for Giovanny and other students to chat with the veterans, and a formal schoolwide assembly.
"It's a funny thing. People you never know, in a few weeks you're like brothers," Fred Drenckhahn said in response to a question about forging military friendships. He fought in Europe during World War II.
No punches were pulled. Students were told about hardships such as makeshift provisions and the possibility of death.
"The most important thing of all is the connection with the past and the present. I think that's critical," said Sy Mayerson, who served during the Vietnam era.
"Veterans Day is a very special day," said TOR social studies teacher Tom Johnston, who served as a medic in Vietnam and was master of ceremonies for the assembly. "So when you meet a veteran, just simply say, 'Thank you.' They'll know what you mean. And just leave it at that."
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