Cross Creek Elementary School classes hosted several veterans to share their experiences with students.  Representing each branch of our armed forces, community veterans shared their experiences and pride at having served our country.  Some of our guests are continuing to serve. In making connections to how their service has impacted American lives, our veterans reminded students and staff that, “Freedom is not free.”  Veterans compared our freedoms with those of the countries in which they have been to and served so that we may enjoy democracy and freedoms that come with it. Being sent away from home, serving during conflict and war, and returning to changes in America is not easy.  Cross Creek’s Veterans Day project was to collect monetary donations to donate to our local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) - the Allen-Cook Post 4995.  Each year these veterans purchase flags to place on military graves throughout Thomas County on Memorial Day. The donation is to help offset the cost of purchasing the flags.