CHATEAUGUAY - His goal is to help students understand sacrifices soldiers made before they were born, so they can enjoy their freedom today.
And though it took him two years to build and a lifetime to collect the artifacts, now Pat Wilkins's veterans' museum is the pride and joy of Centennial Park Elementary School in Chateauguay.
"I had a lot of (artifacts), and I spoke to lot of veterans or people that had our antiques that they wanted to give here. They brought them over," he explained.
That was eight years ago, borne out of a desire to teach young children about the sacrifices of Canadian soldiers.
The students love to learn, said principal Collin Thomas.
"(He demonstrates) what it means to give back to others. Pat is willing to give back, willing to share his time. He shares a message -- and a very important message -- with the kids," he said.
The Royal Canadian Air Force veteran makes weekly visits to the school to guide students through the special museum, complete with artwork, photos and uniforms from wars gone by.
"It's really hard to say what I like the most, because everything here is so awesome," said student Matthew Bergeron.
Students like Alicia Cowan said it's a great learning experience.
""I can learn about what the soldiers did for us and how they fought for us too," she said.
The museum honours veterans from the Chateauguay and Kahnawake communities -- and Wilkins makes sure it's available to everyone.
'We've opened up this museum many times for elderly people," he said. "They come in, and of course they do a little crying. It brings back a lot of memories."
Aside from teaching them about Canadians who fought for freedom, Wilkins has also taught the children a little bit about respecting their elders.
'I'm so proud of the children here," he said. "When I come in they always… salute me."
