Students at Allenwood Elementary School in Wall Township had a special visit on Monday to commemorate Veterans Day.

"Today at Allenwood Elementary School, we took a day to honor our veterans because they're celebrating the 80th anniversary of the invasion of Europe and D-Day,” said Principal James Sterenczak.

Three veterans came to visit the school. Sterenczak says he wants to instill respect and honor for the United States and its veterans in the students.

“So that we pass that respect and honor to our next generation of learners,” he said.

One of the guests was Matthew Yacovino, a U.S. Navy Air Force veteran who hunted down German submarines.

"It was great talking to the kids. I think they maybe will appreciate the veterans a lot more. I'd like the kids to know that we're the young kids that signed up to defend this country,” Yacovino said. "Most of them in my group, between 17 and 19, it's not easy coming out of high school and join the service.”

The students were outside to greet the veterans and were waving American flags.

"I was amazed when I saw all these kids, out there with flags in their hand, it gave me hope that maybe these kids will grow up unified rather than hating one another,” Yacovino said.