WEST HARTFORD, Conn. -- A former Irving Robbins Middle School student was honored at a Veterans Day ceremony at the school on Friday.

First Lt. Michael Hayhurst spent eight months in Iraq and his headed back on Veterans Day.

Before returning to deployment, Hayhurst spent a day at his Farmington alma mater, telling the children about his experiences in Iraq.

"The country I left is a country in shambles," he said. "Garbage lined the streets, people are murdered on a daily basis, and no one is safe, but there are victories that take place every day."

Channel 3 Eyewitness News reporter Hena Daniels reported that there are 125 million veterans in the United States. During Friday's assembly, students read letters they have written to some of the veterans across the nation.

"I think that's cool -- someone from our school … is someone so great," said seventh-grader Andrew Ham.

E-mail news tips to Eyewitness News, or dial: 866-289-0333. Refresh WFSB.com often and watch Channel 3 Eyewitness News for the latest news updates.