FOX 21 News, KQDS-DT

BARNUM - Northland students got a lesson in Veterans Day Monday from a living piece of history.A Northland vet visited Barnum High School to talk to students about his time in the Air Force and the importance of the day.

It was a patriotic celebration, honoring veterans who did and did not make it back from war.

Hundreds of students packed the auditorium to get a lesson from local WWII vet Edward Ericson.

"All I want them to do is realize what went on and what sacrifices some people had to make," said Ericson.

It was the kick off to Erickson’s new "Vet in a Classroom" program where he will tour the Northland talking to students about the armed services.

"We're gonna keep it educational no sensationalism to it," said Ericson.

Ericson says he decided to start the program while on the Honor Flight, after he received letters filled with questions and thank you's from Barnum fifth graders.

"Oh very touched," said Ericson. “I'm not very emotional about too many things but certain things grab you this is one of them."

So touched that he wanted to meet the students in person.

"This is bringing living history and we know that our World War II veterans are getting on in years and so I think it's just great to hear from them," Barnum 5th Grade Elementary School Teacher Rita Johnson said.

His presentation took the kids on his journey while in the Army Air Force.

"Explain to them this is what I flew in this is what I had to do," said Ericson.

He answered some of the questions in the letters.

"I'm 3 generations away from them, they probably have no idea what a B–29 is," said Ericson.

Most importantly he teaches the kids respect for those who gave their lives for their freedom and opportunities.

"A lot of people have died for that flag and it's gonna be more in the future I'm sure, because the world is a wild place anyway," said Ericson.

Ericson says he plans to start touring different schools January 2013.