Charlotte Preparatory students gain insight from veterans

Charlotte Preparatory School spent time on Nov. 5 honoring veterans and their service to the United States.

As part of the celebration and tribute, students listened to stories from a guest speaker - Korean War veteran, Edward McCabe. McCabe, grandfather of third grade student, Ronan McCabe, told the students about how he and his fellow soldiers survived a battle at the Chosin Reservoir by eating Tootsie Rolls. 

Parents and grandparents of several students joined the celebration to be recognized for their military service.

The school also recognized military personnel serving in current conflicts. VFW Post 9488 Commander Lewis Hunt presented an American flag to Emily Thompson, the widow of U.S. Army Special Forces Capt. David "J.P." Thompson. Capt. Thompson, father of two Charlotte Prep lower school students, died in 2010 during his deployment to Afghanistan.

To wrap up the day, Charlotte Prep families donated seven boxes filled with food,  iTunes gift cards and wet wipes, among other items, to military personnel. Students also included personal letters and cards for the soldiers.

Photos:
(Top) Korean War veteran Edward McCabe tells Charlotte Preparatory School students that he and fellow soldiers survived a fierce battle eating only Tootsie Rolls.
(Bottom) VFW Post 9488 Commander Lewis Hunt presents an American flag to Emily Thompson, the widow of U.S. Army Special Forces Capt. David "J.P." Thompson, during a Charlotte Preparatory School assembly honoring veterans. Photos courtesy of David Long.