Four local veterans stopped by Towamensing Elementary on Tuesday morning, offering students insight into their military service and emphasizing the importance of civic education and patriotism.

The assembly featured a lesson on the proper way to fold the American flag, a symbolic gesture that resonated deeply with the students.

“It’s important to get them to understand about serving something greater than yourself,” Glen Lippincott, a Vietnam veteran from Monroe County and Valor Clinic Foundation board member. “Civics instruction is so important and that’s why we chose the flag folding ceremony to hopefully help instill some patriotism in our youth.”

Fellow Monroe County veteran Patrick Conway echoed Lippincott’s sentiments, expressing his joy in interacting with young people.

“We need for the younger generation to understand historical events like the Vietnam War and the Korean War,” Conway said. “The adage is that those who forget history are condemned to repeat it. Our generation screwed a lot of things up, but we got some things right as well and I hope the students here today can begin contemplating their roles as the next leaders of our nation.”

The veterans also took the opportunity to express gratitude to the students for their recent efforts. including drawings, notes, and collected items that would be included in food boxes for underserved veterans in the community.

“It creates a meaningful connection between generations and demonstrates the impact of their gestures of kindness,” he said.

Students asked a few questions of each veteran in attendance.

William “Bill” Parkin shared his experiences in the Air Force, shedding light on the differences in military experiences, including the varying qualities of food among different branches.

“We had great food,” Parkin said. “The Army guys and the Marines were not as fortunate. They were out in the field a lot. They had to ration. The Air Force ate in a nice chow hall.”

Parkin also answered questions about his training, offering a glimpse into the comprehensive education he received while working on an aircraft.

Mike Meining, another Air Force veteran, reflected on the challenges of being away from family during military service.

“Back at that time you went away for a full year, but the military becomes your family,” Meining said. “You got their back and they have yours. They become your brothers and sisters.”

Conway provided insights into the nature of combat during the Vietnam War, highlighting the shift from periods of boredom to those of sheer terror.

“We weren’t fighting every day,” he said. “We went sometimes weeks without making contact with the enemy. When you did, you were frightened. When you got into an action, you reacted to your training. When it was all over, that is when you started to get the shakes that you could have been killed.”

In response to a question on staying in touch with military friends, Lippincott shared a touching story of friendship forged in combat, emphasizing the enduring connections formed during service.

“My battle buddy from a little town in Michigan and I were both severely wounded in combat and every year on that day we have a celebration of life that we both survived,” Lippincott said. “Since Feb. 22, 1971, we have stayed in touch and even visit each other at our homes.”

All four men in attendance Tuesday have multiple titles including father, husband, uncle, etc. For Parkin, however, one tops them all.

“The best title we could ever have is being a veteran,” he said. “Serving your country is the best thing you could ever do.”