PINETOWN — Veterans Day is a time to honor those who have served the nation, protected its freedom, and in some cases, even given their lives.

Northeast Elementary School students expressed their appreciation at the school’s third annual Hallway of Heroes Parade at the school Monday morning.

Students were joined by veterans of all ages, as well as Northside High School’s Air Force ROTC, in a walk up and down the hallways with American flags waving and applause erupting.

Milbert Whitley, a longtime resident of Pantego, was one of those veterans.

Whitley said he served in the military for almost 30 years, was awarded two Bronze Stars and retired as a Sgt. 1st Class. He served all over the world, including in Germany, Vietnam, Israel and Egypt.

“I enjoyed my service career. I really did,” he said.

Whitley said it was an honor to see the children thanking him and his fellow veterans for their service.

Chandler Nimons, a student who participated in the parade, said he was able to walk with his father, who served in Japan from 2003-2005.

He said participating in this opportunity with his dad by his side partially made up for all the times his dad had to be away from the family.

“It felt good because all that work he put in … to make sure we were safe,” Nimons said. “It just makes me happy to see his face again.”

Sixth graders Arie Dehoog and Madisen Dalel and seventh graders Nicholas Williard and Daniela Rodriguez all agreed that the experience was special and one of which to be proud.

Some of the older students were selected as ambassadors by their teachers to help with the parade and the breakfast beforehand based on good grades, Dehoog said.

Williard said he was able to push his dad, who served in the armed forces for about 20 years, in the parade.

“It felt like I was kind of giving back to him for what he did for me,” he said.

“It made me happy that we were able to be involved with the veterans,” Dalel said, adding that her father, grandfather and great-grandfather have all served in the military.

For the high school students in the Northside ROTC, the parade also had family ties, but more importantly, it was encouraging for them personally to see the spirit of the participants.

The ROTC was on hand for a posting of the colors, according to 11^th grader Olivia Sawyer, who is in the program.

“It was a good experience,” she said. “You see all the patriotism that the little kids have.”

Tenth grader Dillon Cooke, who is also in ROTC, said the parade had special meaning to him because of his brother’s service in the Air Force. Cooke said he is also considering a career in the branch.

Northeast Elementary’s hallways were lined with posters of written thanks and patriotic artwork, as well as a board of the veterans’ names.

The event has proven to be a hit within the community, and school officials hope to see its continuation as a tradition.

“It was enjoyable. … I’ve been blessed,” Whitley said. “It goes a long ways in our hearts and our minds.”