New York Mills elementary school students had a rare opportunity to speak with some very important people. More than 300 of them participated in a freedom call, where they spoke with service men and women in Iraq. Our Iris St. Meran has more on their conversation and what this opportunity means to the students.

NEW YORK MILLS, N.Y. -- Three hundred thirty New York Mills Elementary School students spoke with some of the service men and women who are currently serving overseas.

"It was really interesting 'cause I never thought we would actually do that, that the computer could go all the way across," said sixth grader Autumn Hallinger.

They were connected across the world via satellite for this freedom call to Al Asad, Iraq. Students were able to ask the troops station there a number of questions.

One student asked, "What is the first thing you're going to do when you get home?" and a soldier answered, "Go to sleep."

In addition to talking with troops in Iraq, 40 veterans were also present, so students were able to thank them in person.

"It's really special to me, how people are willing to go out there and fight for our country and keep us safe at home," said Hallinger.

"The whole program was really good, but I really like the freedom call. The freedom call was great for the soldiers overseas too because they miss their families," U.S. Air Force Veteran Dawn Brown said. "Even though the kids are not their families, it was good for them, too."

Although, the students and soldiers are virtual strangers, they share the same pride in each other and this country.

The freedom call was started at the school two years ago.