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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- For former soldiers like Maj. Henry "Duke" Boswell, Veterans Day means a lot.

"It's important. It's important that someone remembers us, and I mean the entire military for the things that we've done," Boswell said.

Maj. Boswell was a paratrooper and is a World War II veteran who fought in D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge.

"We led the invasion of D-day. We jumped in at one in the morning. The troops didn't hit the beach until 6:30 a.m., so we had been in there fighting all that time," Boswell said.

Thursday he shared his war stories with the students at Mountain Ridge Middle School.

"I am a soldier, and I'm proud of it," Boswell said to the students.

The adults in the crowed hoped the students got the message.

"I really hope that the students take away just an excitement about our country, appreciation for veterans and for all that they do for us," Jessica Naramore, Vocal Music Director at Mountain Ridge Middle School, said.

A few miles up the road, students at Liberty High School were addressed by Colonel Martin France from the Air Force Academy.

"Today is Veterans Day. Today I salute all veterans on behalf of a grateful nation," France said.

School officials said it's important for students to take the time to honor those who serve.

"We want them to be conscious of how good we have it here in this country, and the cost and the sacrifice that goes into just the freedom that we experience every day," Naramore said.

And for those who serve, the recognition makes a big difference.

"It puts a warm feeling in my heart, it really does," Boswell said. "You know, it's so easy to pass them by, and I myself, when I see a soldier I'll thank him. Because I know what he's doing or what he's going to do, and so when someone thanks me I accept it for all the soldiers, not just for me but for all the ones that I represent. And I'm just pleased to have someone notice and know that we did serve."