Wawasee Middle School eighth-graders cheer as World War II veterans arrive at the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. (Photos provided)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Eighth-graders from Wawasee Middle School, Syracuse, who were visiting Washington, D.C. over the weekend had the chance to meet and honor several World War II veterans.

The students were viewing the World War II Memorial and learned that the veterans would soon arrive on three busses to visit the same memorial. Despite the fact that the veterans were several blocks away, the students and teacher chaperones, Casimir Szynal and Trent Beer, decided to stay and wait. It took approximately a half-hour for the veterans to arrive and, as they did, the students cheered and shook their hands.

“This was an experience to which myself and daughter will never forget,” parent chaperone Jennifer Smith said.