Students from Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School are putting their tools of the trade to practical use for a solemn purpose.

Members of the senior carpentry class are constructing a new roof with red cedar shingles for the gazebo at Dartmouth Veterans Memorial Grove, which is located at the Dartmouth Senior Center.

The work started Sept. 23 and is expected to be finished by Friday, Oct. 8. 

The project provided “on-the-job training,’’ said Frank Goncalves, senior carpentry instructor.  

Students gained “real world experience’’ they could not receive in a classroom, said teacher’s aide Michael Richard.

As they learned the specifics of roof replacement, they also had a chance to “contribute to the community,’’ Goncalves said.

That contribution helps to enrich a special area in town, said Christopher Pereira, chair of the veterans advisory board.

"The Dartmouth Veterans Memorial Grove serves as a pillar of pride and honor in town not just for veterans but the entire community,’’ he said.  

The grove serves as “a worthy place of reverence where residents gather for events, ceremonies, quiet times of reflection and a place to honor family, friends and other veterans.’’

The importance of the project “cannot be overstated,” he said. 

His board thanked the students and teachers for “their efforts, dedication to our community, veterans and for their patriotism. These are all important qualities,” he said.

He said the board is “proud to have their support.”