I am a seventh-grader at Messalonskee Middle School. On Oct. 22, we visited the Cole Land Transportation Museum in Bangor, where we went on a guided tour.

Galen Cole, a World War II veteran, told us about a promise he made to his God that if he made it out of the war alive he would give back to his community. He kept that promise to give back.

The story behind Mr. Cole’s promise happened during combat. One of his comrades was wounded and unable to travel in the halftrack, so Mr. Cole took his place. After the wounded soldier returned to duty, he asked for his seat back because he said that it was his “lucky” seat.

Mr Cole willingly gave up the seat and moved to the other side of the halftrack. Later that day, as they were driving, they were hit by a missile. The missile hit the opposite side of the halftrack that he was on, the side he gave up, and killed everyone on that side. He helped all those who survived the hit to get out and seek shelter in a ditch.

When Mr. Cole returned home after the war, he helped his dad in the Cole Transportation business. He saved enough money to keep his promise, and he built a museum for the public to visit.

At 8:30 a.m. Friday, at the Performing Arts Center in Oakland, we are having an assembly to recognize veterans for what they have done for our country. We would like to invite veterans to join us so that we may honor them, those who have sacrificed much so that we can be free.

Colton ChavarieBelgradeMessalonskee Middle School