Freedom truly isn't free as children in Jan Desgranges summer school class spent part of their break learning.
The 54 students in the "I Am a Citizen, Too" class were taught democratic principals, patriotism and how to be a good citizen.
One of the highlights of the course includes the Veteran's assembly that was held Wednesday at Poplar Bluff Junior High.
During the assembly, the students told the stories of area veterans they interviewed and treated the heroes to a lunch they prepared themselves.
For the first time, a World War II veteran was in attendance and recognized.
Corporal Clemens Deken, who will turn 97-years-old next month, served in the United States Army from 1942-1945 as a mechanic on trucks and tanks.
He spent the first nine months of his time served in the U.S. followed by deployments to England, France and Germany. For entertainment, Deken played cards and talked with friends he made. He also wrote letters to stay in touch with family.
Deken, of Poplar Bluff, was presented with a plaque to thank him for his service and all veterans in attendance were given an American Flag.
Deken's great granddaughter, Lauryn Wilkerson, had the honor to interview him for the assembly.
Wilkerson's father, Matt Wilkerson, said this class project also gave him the opportunity to learn more about his grandfather.
"He likes to talk about his experience and was excited," Matt said. "He has a lot of stories."
Wilkerson, who was in Savannah, Ga., for National Junior Beta Convention, was unable to tell her great grandfather's story herself, she was excited to have this association in her family.
Attendees of the Veteran's assembly were serenaded to "You Are Our Hero" by the students.
Students also explained the reasoning behind the 13 folds of the American Flag. They include life, belief of eternal life, in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing, weaker nature, the country, where our hearts lie, the Armed Forces, the one who entered in to the valley of the shadow of death, womanhood, father, the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and an emblem of eternity.
"There are a lot of good people in the world and better people in the United States," Desgranges said. "The best people of all are our veterans and ones currently serving."
Desgranges has been teaching the "I Am a Citizen, Too" class for almost 30 years with the help of her daughter, Kathy Pattillo.
Sixth through eighth grade students are recommended by their teachers to be a part of the summer class through good grades, no disciplinary referrals and leadership.
Throughout the four-week class, students were invited to view an honor guard service at the Missouri Veteran's Cemetery in Bloomfield, Mo., sang at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff and area nursing homes, and visited Poplar Bluff City Hall to present laws they wrote.
The students also held a mock trial in court and visited the Butler County Sheriff's Department and Poplar Bluff Police Department where students were elected to officer positions.
"I want the students to know how blessed they are to live in the United States as a citizen," Desgranges said. "Even a kid can be a citizen. They has responsibilities as much as rights."