It has been 70 years since the end of World War II and there is no better time to share those experiences than on Veterans Day.

Three veterans from that war visited Lehighton Area High School on Wednesday to share their experiences.The program, set up by the veteran group, The Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, began going into schools to educate current students about World War II.For the past 12 years, students were able to hear their stories but also meet and thank the soldiers for their service and sacrifice.Slatington's Clem Reed, 92; Aquaschicola's Quinton Snyder, 91; and Effort's Frank Maresca, 90, displayed their spoils of war and shared their experiences and stories. The hourlong program was facilitated by Vietnam War veteran Bill Gieske."We like coming here, the students are so attentive and they ask really good questions," Snyder said.Maresca, who wrote a diary that became his memoir called "A Soldier's Odyssey," began the program by reading the Declaration of Independence and telling the students that freedom is not free.After 17 weeks of basic training the United States, Maresca was sent overseas and participated in many campaigns including the greatest battle of the war, the Battle of the Bulge.Snyder, who graduated from Lehighton in 1941, explained how his life was on hold because of the war raging in Europe."It had to be done," Snyder told the students. "We had to get this mess straightened out so we could get on with the American way."Snyder was drafted and became a combat engineer. Often at the front of the battles building structures to advance troops, Snyder was hit by shrapnel. He told the students of the relief he had at surviving his wounds."I couldn't help but think, 'wow, I made it.' " Snyder said.The most memorable part of the experience for Snyder was on the boat entering New York City. A barge with a band greeted them playing the popular "Sentimental Journey."Reed, found himself in a half-track landing on Utah beach days after D-Day under command of Gen. George S. Patton.For the next nine months, his unit was on the front line, including his participation in the Battle of the Bulge. His words about remembering the veterans who fought reached the students."There are a lot of people over there yet that didn't come back," Reed told the students a midst tears that still flow after 70 years, "They are the real heroes, and all we did was just come home."