Groton — Petty Officer 1st Class Lionel Reyes introduced Reno, a 5-year-old German shepherd who trembled before an audience of students outside Claude Chester Elementary School on Thursday.

"Hi, Reno," the 290 children said, greeting the dog.

"Reno is super excited today," Reyes said, explaining the dog's shaking.

Reno was one of three military dogs from the Naval Submarine Base who visited the school with his handler as part of Claude Chester's Veterans Day celebration.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Melinda Mowery explained that dogs like Reno find explosives that an enemy might hide.

"They plant stuff to try to hurt us," she said. "So Reno, he finds stuff. He saves our lives."

The students watched as Reno, Max, a 6-year-old black Labrador retriever, and Lali, a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois, demonstrated to the children how they sniff out dangerous packages and chase down enemies.

"Pretty cool," Tyler Salaver, 8, said.

The school's celebration began with an assembly where veterans and family members visited, the band played and the chorus sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit-Bag, and Smile, Smile, Smile." Young children waved small flags.

Bob Barry, who served 21 years in the Navy, held a card the students had made for him.

"The kids put some effort into it, and they're learning. That's the important part," he said.

After the assembly, the students gathered outside for a demonstration by the military dogs and their handlers. Then the children returned to their classrooms to make cards for veterans. The cards will be delivered on Friday to the Vets Rock performance at Mohegan Sun to celebrate Veterans Day.

Kwamel Wright, 7, pondered what to write. "Thank you for fighting for our country," he began, then stopped. "I mean, our freedom."

d.straszheim@theday.com