In a classroom filled with patriotic memorabilia, dozens of West Elementary School students learned the story of Pearl Harbor from two local World War II veterans Tuesday.

Retired Air Force Col. Bud Baumgardner and retired Navy aviation mechanic Howard P. Clayton of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2214 addressed Jane Neal’s fourth grade classes a day before America commemorates the 64th anniversary of the attacks which provoked the nation’s entry into the war.

Neal, who teaches social studies and science, said she teaches her students to honor veterans, and her classroom illustrates that. Flags and red, white and blue decorations dot the walls. Framed pictures of servicemen and women and military ships fill a shelf along the back wall. A photo of the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor was attached to the whiteboard, next to a child’s message of “Welcome veterans” and “Dec. 7, 1941 Pearl Harbor.”

“These are our heroes,” Neal said. “They’re the one’s these boys and girls learned to love through the years. They learned to respect them and they always show respect when they visit.”

As Baumgardner and Clayton explained the story of the Japanese surprise attack 64 years ago today and their experiences in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, children peppered them with tales of military ancestors and questions about war.

Did the colonel ever land a plane at Pearl Harbor? No. Did he ever see a B-52 bomber? Plenty. Has he ever seen an atomic bomb? Yes.

One boy asked if Baumgardner was hurt during his service.

“No, I can run faster than most,” Baumgardner replied.

“You must’ve been like Forrest Gump,” the child said.

The students were most impressed with Baumgardner’s role in bringing an F-16 flyover to Cullman for the Veterans’ Day ceremony last month. Nearly every child raised their hand when Neal asked if they had seen it.

Clayton told the class that he served with astronaut Alan Shepard, and how when he reenlisted, he took his oath 40,000 feet above ground in a plane traveling 450 knots.

He encouraged the children in their studies, saying while he never finished high school, “the third through the sixth grades are the most important.”

“That’s where you learn math, learn your reading and everything else,” Clayton said.

Both Clayton and Baumgardner connected their stories to the war in Iraq today.

“Not only are the people overseas fighting for our freedom,” Clayton said, becoming emotional, “their families back home are sacrificing just as much. Don’t forget there’s just as much sacrifice here in the States for the loved ones who are gone.”

Baumgardner also told the students that since he shared a birthday with Richard Nixon, he was invited to the White House to celebrate with the president, the Shah of Iran and his wife, drinking champagne and sharing a presidential-sized birthday cake.

The veterans said talking to the next generation of Americans was as rewarding for them as it was for the children.

“Just to see the expression on their faces helps a lot,” Clayton said.

Neal said Clayton and Baumgardner are examples of a lesson she’s always teaching.

“Children, do you see the sacrifices we talked about that the men and women in uniform go through so we can enjoy the freedom we have today?” she asked the class. “We must never forget.”