As students trickled into the assembly on Veterans Day, they were welcomed by Fremd’s Symphony Orchestra playing “A Hero’s Welcome.” The assembly was organized by the Social Studies club to recognize the veterans that were connected to the Fremd community.
Isha Murthy, a member of the Social Studies Club, introduced the assembly. She explained that Veterans Day is a day to show appreciation for the people who have served our country. Through the assembly, she explains, is Fremd’s way to honor the people who have and are serving.
“There’s so many things that people do, and I feel like not enough attention is brought to that. I feel like having a Veterans Day assembly to acknowledge the people who served our country is a great thing to have because it just brings more awareness to [them],” Murthy said.
Alex Dumitrascu and Audrey To recognized the veterans that were in attendance.
“Each of you[veterans] is a part of a long history of service and sacrifice, honor and courage that extends deep into our country’s history,” said To.
As they read the veterans’ names, Symphony Orchestra played the main theme from HBO’s “The Pacific.” Dumitrascu and To also included a brief history of how Veterans Day came to be. Starting from World War I, November 11, was known as Armistice Day. Following World War II, Armistice Day was renamed as Veterans Day to include veterans of all wars and conflicts, to show our gratitude for their service.
Evelyn Carey then introduced the leaders and officials that were in attendance at the assembly. The Mayor of the Village of Palatine, Jim Schwantz, Superintendent of Township High School District 211, Dr. Judith Campbell, and Township High School District 211 Board Member, Anne Lopez. They joined her at the podium to lead the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Following, Addie Newby introduced Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, Bella Voce and Chambers Singers as they performed the National Anthem together.
Lakshmi Jibi introduced the Wind Symphony, who played “Salute to America’s Finest.” This featured each branch of the military’s official song, played in order of installation. As each branch’s song played, the respective veterans stood.
Gabe Kowalski acknowledged the veterans of the D211 community that work in Fremd. These veterans include Mr. Patrick DeGeorge, Mr. John Gasunas, Mr. Matt Grelck, Mr. Keith Sorenson, Mr. Bob Hammett, Mr. Brent Michaels and Officer Martin Van der Hoek.
Yingsel Atsatsang and Gianna Demos welcomed the Veteran speaker, Matt Grelck. Grelck was a member of the Air Force, serving as a Deputy Fire Chief before he became a Student Supervisor. Grelck described his experience in the military, how he joined because he was unsure what he wanted to do, but it gave him direction and taught him valuable skills.
Cristina Pascari revealed that the fundraising sale by Social Studies Club and the Nordic Cafe the day prior raised an impressive $1,400 dollars for Wounded Warriors and the Soldiers Project. Wounded Warriors helps assist veterans with physical injuries that make civilian life difficult. The Soldiers Project provides mental health services and supports soldiers who suffer from invisible psychological injuries. Social Studies Club sold baked goods, such as cookies, while Nordic Cafe sold their famous frozen hot chocolate, flag themed cookies and more. Nordic Cafe and the bake sale opened in the morning before school started and the bake sale continued throughout all periods during the day.
“It was important to the members of [social studies club] that our efforts and fundraising reflects our goal that all Veterans be able to fully and completely transition back to civilian life, and be supported each and every step of the way,” said Pascari.
Ginna Lai introduced Gibson Rakiewicz and Evan Gao, who played Taps on the trumpet. The playing honored the veterans that are no longer with us. Taps was originally played to signal the end of the day but now it has become played at military funerals. It signifies a final farewell to veterans that have served their country.
Ella Digangi closed the assembly, thanking everyone who had a part in making the assembly possible. There were special thanks to the veterans that were in attendance, Mr. Moore, Mrs. Caballero, Mr. Teichert, Mrs. Collins and the students in Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, Bella Vocé, and Chamber Singers for their performances. In addition, Mr. Matarazzo, Mrs. Durkin, Mr. Keske and the students of United Clubs of Fremd were also thanked for the making of the posters that were around the gym.
The Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, Chamber Singers, and Bella Voce closed the assembly with the playing of “America the Beautiful”.
