Navy Commander Teaches Students About Veterans Day

Commander Dan Cook helped Hollywood Beach Elementary celebrate Veterans Day early.

Students first watched as white doves were released. Cook, the Commanding Officer of the Naval Construction Training Center in Port Hueneme told the children doves symbolize peace.

Cook explained that Veterans Day began as Armistice Day, the day commemorating the signing of the armistice that put an end to World War I, the war that was supposed to end all wars.

Students followed the commander and principal Cheryl Davidson to the beach, where they placed a commemorative wreath in the ocean and left a trail of carnations.

A Channel Islands Patrol Fire Boat saluted the children with a spray of water just offshore as the Oxnard High School Marching band performed patriotic music.