Veteran shares memories with students
Posted On: Tuesday, Nov. 3 2009 05:09 AM
By Rebecca LaFlure
Killeen Daily HeraldIvor McKay lives with pieces of steel in his heart.
They are the remnants of a 29-year military career, which spanned World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars.
In September 1944, McKay suffered shrapnel wounds from the right side of his face down to his right leg after his area came under attack near the German border. He spent 27 months recovering in a hospital.
"I'd do the same thing all over again," said McKay, who held every Army rank from private to lieutenant colonel, except for staff sergeant.
McKay, 89, shared his war stories with a crowd of students and veterans Monday morning during Clear Creek Elementary School's third annual Take a Veteran to School Day.
The event, sponsored by the History Channel, is part of a nationwide initiative to connect students and veterans.
More than 2,000 schools across the United States conducted similar celebrations Monday. The events were a precursor to Veterans Day, observed on Nov. 11 each year.
"As our treasured World War II veterans get older and our younger veterans retire, it's very important to remember them for both those generations," said Kimberly Gilmore, a historian with the History Channel who introduced McKay. "It links us as a nation."
Earlier that morning, veterans who fought in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan shared their experiences with students during class.
Clear Creek, located on Washington Street near Fort Hood, also organized a picnic on the school lawn. More than 150 veterans, many parents of students, devoured hot dogs and other treats.
"You got to spend every opportunity you can with kids because you never know when you're going to be overseas," said Master Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, an Afghan war veteran who ate lunch with his son Joshua Monday. "Especially as a part of the military school, it helps kids to know that they're not the only ones whose dad's in the military."
Fifth-grader Terry Roberts said he enjoyed seeing the men and women in uniform.
His dad is currently deployed to Iraq.
At the end of McKay's speech, Roberts shook McKay's hand and told him he appreciated his service.
"I think it's really nice to honor every soldier for what they've done for our country," Roberts said. "They sacrifice everything."