AUBURN — Edward Little High School students will honor, thank and learn from veterans on Thursday, national Take a Veteran to School Day. A special ceremony is planned from 9:15 to 10:40 a.m.

The public is invited.

The program is sponsored by Time Warner Cable of Maine in partnership with the Maine National Guard. The keynote will be given by Col. Jack Mosher, director of operations of the Maine Army National Guard.

Students in history classes have been studying wars from World War II to Afghanistan. During the school assembly Thursday “they’ll introduce the wars, the causes, the results and the death totals, and recognize veterans in attendance,” Edward Little teacher Paul Beauparlent, Social Studies Department chairman, said.

The goal is for students “to get a sense of appreciation that Memorial Day is more than a moment of silence, a day off, more than the start of summer,” he said. It recognizes the commitment members of the military make when they join, “that you’ve got to be prepared to die for your country. That’s quite a commitment,” Beauparlent said.

Take a Veteran to School Day connects students with veterans. “It makes what students are reading and learning come to life,” organizer Cynthia Faulkner said.

Up to 100 local veterans are expected to attend. U.S. Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins, and U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud, have taped special video messages.

Doors open at 8:30 a.m., parking is available at the school next to the gym. For more information call the school at 783-8528.

— Bonnie Washuk