EAGLE RIVER - Veteran's Day falls on a Sunday this year. But that didn't stop schools from celebrating our heroes early. Northland Pines School District in Eagle River went all out, getting all the schools together for the first time.

Veteran's Day means something different to everyone, whether they've served themselves or know someone who has.

"You know, it just brings back memories. Some are good and some aren't," says Veteran Bob Hagen.

"I have relatives who have served and who now are gone. And I have a nephew in Afghanistan now," says Middle School Principal Jackie Coghlan.

Organizers say Northland Pines believes it's never too early to start teaching kids about honoring veterans.

NAT: Little kids singing.

"I think it's good for them to know how much these people have given to our country. Every year it's just a refresher to thank them for everything," says 8th Grader Lainey Vandenboom.

"A lot of times I've seen older people who have fought in wars walking around, and I see them here and I didn't know they were veterans. So I believe the fact that we have this every year, it allows them to be able to be recognized," says 8th Grader Jack Misina.

"Remembering what they fought for and how hard they fought; our country would be so much different if it wasn't for them," says 12th Grader Valerie Olson.

Some of the veterans have been coming to this ceremony every year since the tradition started at Northland Pines 15 years ago.

"You see the kids here and they're all really excited about Veteran's Day and participating. I think that's really great. I think that's our future," says Veteran Douglas Breit.

Story By: Lyndsey Stemm