East Lyme — Sgt. Kristi Artigue spoke about her experiences in the Army, but it was her response when asked about the differences between Iraq and America that drew gasps from seventh-grade girls.

"Oh, let me count the ways. Let's see, I can't drive a car, I can't wear make-up...there are many differences in wardrobe. And I can't go to the mall," Artigue said, smiling.

Kara Santa Maria, 12, who posed the question was surprised.

"I couldn't do it. That would be a lot of things to give up and would be hard to do," Santa Maria said.

While many students at school districts around the region were given the day off on Veterans Day, the East Lyme schools held educational programs for its students. The Social Studies Department at the middle school hosted its seventh annual Veterans Day celebration by inviting about 25 veterans to speak to students throughout the day. The school also placed two video conference calls
using Skype, a software application that allows users to make voice calls over the Internet to connect soldiers like Artigue, who are serving in Iraq. Artigue works in operations and is a medic by trade.

Physical education teacher Jim Moran moderated the video conference calls. He said the school started making the calls to connect with soldiers in 2005, when he was stationed in Iraq. He met Artigue, who is from Newington, in the 141st Medical Company.

Seventh-graders asked Artigue what the worst part of being in Iraq was; if there was any wildlife out there; what her typical day was like; and if she's proud to serve her country.

"Of course. If you haven't heard, America's the best," Artigue said.

She told them her favorite food to eat in Iraq was grilled chicken breast and that she misses the peanut butter she likes from Whole Foods. She said she's made new friends in the military and her weapon of choice is a 3-foot-tall M16 rifle.

"It feels good to be a veteran, but we don't see ourselves as heroes or veterans. We're just doing our job," Artigue said.

Several panel discussions were held with veterans throughout the day, and the veterans said they liked having the chance to speak with students. Many of the veterans attended the town's Veterans Day ceremony held earlier in the morning on the Town Green.

The day concluded with an outdoor ceremony with student readings, a band medley, a moment of silence, and a rendition of "Taps."

Students said they were pleased that they could hear the veterans' stories and ask them questions.

"I like that we get to honor the veterans instead of being at home," Santa Maria said. "We get to interact with them."

John Nahass, 12, said he thinks students wouldn't know and understand the meaning of Veterans Day if they were given the day off.

"It's a fun day, but it's still learning and it's interesting," Nipun Hewage, 11, added.