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Former Military Academy, McDonogh School, Honors Alumni For Memorial Day

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (WJZ)—The holiday weekend is approaching, and while it's nice to get a day off, we sometimes forget the reason why this is a three-day weekend.

As Mike Schuh reports, ask any of the 1,300 students at McDonogh School, and they'll be able to tell you.

Prominent on campus. Names etched in stone. A top prep school now, McDonogh School used to be a military academy.

It was a place that sent some of its grads straight in to the military.

Some lost their lives in wars. WWI, WWII, Korean and Vietnam alumni are all honored here.

They're nicknamed the eagles because of this history that continues.

Once a year every spring, the entire student body -- all 1,300 -- gather to hear about the sacrifices of alumni who served their country and did not return.

The school is no longer a military academy, but on this day of memorial observation, artifacts of war are brought here.

"I think it's important for the students to know their heritage, know their past," said Butch Maisel.

Maisel is an alumni, historian and military collector. He teaches at Boys Latin. Memorial Day, he says, will mean more.

The students will make better connections to those being honored if they see, touch and feel artifacts.

"These are all things that a soldier would carry in his personal kit," Maisel said.

"All the personal items were of the most interest because they give insight into an officer's life," said Hunter.

During wartime, McDonogh School sophomores would have been close to enlistment age

"It hits close to home because those kids went to school here like we do, and it's cool that we get to have that connection to them," Helen said.

It's a connection few other schools share with their students.

Those artifacts and more will also be on display on Monday at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens.

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