One thousand students at Branford High School gathered today to thank -- and to learn from -- a group of 30 veterans of the U.S. Military.

Veterans serving in actions including World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War (Desert Storm/Desert Shield) and the War on Terror (Iraq/Afghanistan) spent the day at BHS, beginning with a welcome ceremony in the morning and lasting for several hours as students circulated among classrooms were veterans discussed their service.

"It's important because it's living history. It is what happened. These people went off to war, many of them at the same age these kids are now," said BHS Horizons teacher and Student Council advisor Sal Varra. "They had a call to duty to serve their county as best they can and the kids needs to understand we all have a responsibilty to make this world a better place. These veterans did their share and maybe they'll inspire some of them to do their share down the road."

Varra who co-organzied the program with teacher Rich Biondi and students of the BHS Horizons and Student Council to bring about the 18th Annual BHS Bob Bescher Veterans Appreciation Day.