Patriotism is important, as Pacelli Catholic School seventh-graders learned Monday.

Three local veterans stopped by Laura Marreel’s seventh-grade literature class Monday morning to discuss their service and what patriotism means to them.

“If you’re proud of your country, you’re proud all the time,” local veteran Norm Hecimovich said. Hecimovich, along with Brad McBeain and Sarah Belden, shared their experiences with students, from learning how to parachute out of airplanes to what Marine recruits in boot camp do when they wake up each morning.

The presentations were meant to inspire students as they prepare for the annual Patriotic Pen essay.

“It’s your responsibility as a veteran,” McBeain said about sharing his experiences with students. “The freedoms that they have are because of the military.”

Each veteran spoke of the rigors of military service, like when Hecimovich had to radio in enemy coordinates for artillery. He had completed Airborne Army and Army Ranger training but acted as a forward observer in Korea, which meant he was often in a foxhole watching enemy forces and calling in artillery.

“I thought I was going to be John Wayne,” Hecimovich said.

McBeain spoke of how he served in Iraq, working with locals and sometimes having to interrogate people suspected of terrorism or collaborating with terrorists.

Belden, who returned to Austin after recently completing Marine boot camp, told students how the Marines “break down” recruits to act on training and instinct. She’ll be going through advanced training and job training shortly and will be at her first post in about eight months.

Each veteran showed how important military service is to them and their families. Hecimovich’s father and seven uncles served in World War II, while McBeain’s grandfather’s brother was among the first Airborne Army servicemen. Belden knew she wanted to be a Marine since fifth grade, when her grandfather, who was a Marine, died.

“I’ve always known what I wanted to do,” she said.

The students seemed interested in military life, asking questions about injuries, daily life and the meaning behind medals.

“They gave up pretty much everything just to serve for what we have,” said Matthew Diang, Pacelli seventh-grader.