NEW KENT COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — New Kent Middle School welcomed 200 retired soldiers for its annual Veterans Day Program on Monday. The event is a local tradition that has been organized by New Kent County Public Schools since 2014 to provide a unique opportunity to engage with the community members who served in the armed forces. The event includes a breakfast, student-made cards and speeches honoring service members. Seventh grade math teacher and United States Navy veteran Cathy Cederholm took over event planning in 2016 and said she continues to uphold the tradition after advice she got from a former World War II vet who has since passed away. “His words to me were, ‘These programs need to continue,’” said Cederholm. “These children are our future. They're the ones that are going to wear the uniform long after us -- and if they don't see our pride now, they won't understand and they won't fill our shoes.” Eight-year Army veteran Nathaniel Christian III said the event is an opportunity to interact with retired soldiers from different branches. “Being able to come from different walks of life and to serve with different individuals, I think speaks a lot about our country and how well we work together,“ Christian said. 30-year U.S. Navy Master Chief Kevin Blade and 20-year Army Lieutenant Colonel Vance Morgan said they hope the lessons they learned on duty can inspire a new generation of soldiers. “They're bringing that experience and those stories to the young people to encourage in them that sense of patriotism and the desire to serve their country,” Morgan said. New Kent High School senior and ROTC member Bryce Clemmons said he plans to join the marine corps after graduation. He said various family members inspired him to pursue the career and feels it’s something everyone should consider. “You go in there with the mentality [that] you're going to pass it,” Clemmons said about military training. “You're going to be a very respected member of the community once you get out.” Cederholm said Clemmons is just one example of how a career in the armed services can be for the better.  “You may be a lousy student today and be wearing a uniform tomorrow,” Cederholm said. “It’s what you want to do and when you want to do it. And I want these kids to know that they can and that their community supports them.”