HERJC youngsters meet the military veterans

Teaching children about history could be a difficult task as the events usually occurred way before the kids were born and the people recalling that long ago news are so much older.

However, the Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre aims to bridge the generational-historical gap as Early Childhood Center students met several local military veterans on Nov. 8 in advance of Veterans Day.

Led by ECC Director Cheryl Karp and the synagogue’s cantor, Bonnie Zakarian, the children serenaded the veterans with songs and presented them with special gifts that showed their appreciation for what kids called “our real life superheroes.”

Similar to the heroes that children favor in their favorite stories, the veterans wore special uniforms and were awarded medals that illustrate their bravery.

Veterans Day, once called Armistice Day, commemorates all the people that served in the Unites Stated armed forces. Armistice Day marked the end of World War I, “the war to end all wars,” in the 11th month on the 11th day at the 11th hour. This year Veterans Day was observed as a holiday on Nov. 10.

— Jeffrey Bessen