The solemn strains of of Veterans Day remembrances have left an impression on students at Colman-Egan. Red, white and blue-clad kids who aren't too young to grasp the cost of freedom paid by so many.
"They sacrificed so much every day for us, I think we need to do a little bit for them," Colman-Egan 3rd grader Avery Mersch said.
For the past month, students collected pennies, sold candy and root beer floats and wrote letters to businesses asking for donations to Honor Flight.
"To see the memorial in Washington, D.C., so if you would please donate some money," Avery said.
The school had hoped to raise about $750, enough money to send one veteran to Washington, D.C. But thanks to the generosity of the community, the school far exceeded its goal. The school raised more than $5,200, enough to sponsor seven veterans. Donations came from as far away as California and even Germany. All thanks to young students saluting old soldiers, one penny at a time.
The next Honor Flight leaves Sioux Falls for Washington on Friday.
