BROCKTON, Mass. -- Brockton students learned the lessons of war at a young age during a Bring a Veteran to School day.

Boston television station WCVB reported that 32 veterans participated in the event at the Hancock Elementary School.

Sgt. Herb Shipman's niece invited him. Every classroom has a veteran spending the day.

George Hersey, 88, fought in Pearl Harbor.

"Be proud of your country. Be proud," Hersey said.

It was an emotional day for students, as well. Last March, their teacher Peter Farley left his classroom and went to serve in Iraq. Now, they are collecting school supplies to send to Farley.

"For the kids in Iraq that don't have any of this stuff," student Ria McKinnon said.

The students will also send necessities for the soldiers, such as razors and toothpaste.