Elmhurst's District 205 Schools Honor Veterans

ELMHURST, IL — York Community High School held its seventh annual all-school Veterans’ Day assembly on Friday, November 10. U.S. veterans, along with current servicemen and women, were invited to attend. The district said the featured speaker for the day was York parent and army veteran Wes Becton, who relayed stories of his favorite fellow veterans, including former Elmhurst Mayor Abner Ganet; his father, General Julius Becton, Jr.; and his childhood friend, Ben Patton (in attendance that day) who is the grandson of General George S. Patton, Jr. Staff members who are veterans were also honored for their service.

Each Veterans Day, York Military History Club members and District 205 employee Jerry Christopherson display 101 American flags along the driveway leading to the school. The district said the flags commemorate former York students who have died in service to their country. Each flag is tagged with the serviceman’s name and military conflict.

On Saturday, Nov. 11, members of the York Student Council served a free breakfast to American veterans and their families/friends.

The district said Bryan Middle School planned a variety of activities including writing thank-you postcards to veterans at Hines VA Hospital, a display of artifacts from veterans related to Bryan staff members, and a writing contest based on the prompt “Why do we honor veterans?” In addition, there was a Veterans Recognition Breakfast held on Nov. 10, sponsored by the Bryan PTA and KIDS Leadership group, with music from the school’s orchestra. The Recognition Assembly honored local veterans, with Bruce Harkin serving as keynote speaker. Bryan Boy Scouts presented and retired the flag, the band and chorus performed patriotic music, and the winning essays were read.

Churchville Middle School held its ninth Veterans Day Assembly, welcoming veterans and their families to join them. The event is organized by math teacher and Navy veteran Peter Richey. The district said this year, Richey produced a video montage showing more than 500 Churchville students thanking veterans. In addition, students read essays and the choir, band and orchestra performed patriotic anthems. Veterans also received a special gift that recreates a military tradition. Several years ago, Richey designed challenge coins with the school's logo on one side and the emblems of all five military branches on the other. These are presented to all honored guests as part of the Veterans Day celebration.

Lastly, Sandburg Middle School also held a Veterans Day assembly on Friday, Nov. 10. According to the district, Colonel Mark Mallon, a Sandburg parent and member of the U.S Army, shared an inspiring message with students. The Sandburg choir and band performed patriotic pieces.

Photos provided by District 205.