Nostalgia, defined as a sentimental yearning for a return to or of some past period of irrecoverable condition, means something that you will remember for a lifetime or something that brings back memories. Monday, I experienced a bit of nostalgia amongst a group of elementary students as we gazed upon the partial solar eclipse, something that hasn’t occurred in decades.

In the 21st century, psychologists say nostalgia brings happiness to people’s lives as a remembrance of the “good old days,” adding a sense of meaning in life to those who seek it.

Nostalgia and life’s memories are inseparable, some good and others bad, but they all serve a purpose, we never forget them.

There have been a number major historic events that are so memorable that those who saw them can recall where they were and what they were doing at that time.

Three of those events include the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, the Kennedy assassination in 1963 and the moon landing in 1969. Of course, there are many other momentous events that have taken place in between those dates and since, and though I was not alive during the latter two, I have heard an abundance of people talk about what they were doing. And I remember exactly what I was doing during the 9/11 attacks.

I recall being at a T.G.I. Fridays eating with my family when all of the televisions immediately turned to the same channel.

The children who saw Monday’s solar eclipse will count it on their list.

As I stood amongst 50 to 60 local elementary students on the playground viewing the eclipse, it was evident how significant this event was to them. When the kids weren’t oohing and aahing, they were smiling with their heads tilted as far up as they could, pointing at an event they will always remember as The Great American Eclipse.