Maintaining a decadelong tradition, Northbrook Junior High School (NBJH) hosted the annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Nov. 10 at the school (1475 Maple Ave.) in Northbrook.
Middle schoolers packed the gym bleachers for the morning ceremony presented by American Legion George W. Benjamin Post 791.
The Veterans Day Ceremony was held a day early so that NBJH students could participate. Veterans and guests were invited to the all-school assembly.
Of veterans, NBJH Principal Scott Meek said, “It’s important that our school community is aware of the sacrifices they have made and that we honor all they have done to make our country a great place to live.”
New Northbrook Fire Chief David Schweihs was among Northbrook first responders lining one side of the gym.
“I think it’s always important to support our veterans and they’ve sacrificed a lot for our country and I think it’s good to show our schools and our kids the same thing,” Schweihs said.
Keynote speaker Commander Master Chief of Naval Station Great Lakes Jon Crisafulli of Winthrop Harbor was surprised to see young faces packing the gym.
“I didn’t even know we were going to have all these kids here today,” Crisafulli said to Pioneer Press shortly after the ceremony.
“To hear the Pledge of Allegiance from all those young voices in the room kind of helped somebody like me to remember why I put on the uniform every day so it was pretty special to have the kids involved, that was awesome.
“We’re here because of them,” Crisafulli said of youth.
Post 791 Commander Tom Kittler of Northbrook served for a combined active and reserve 33 years in the United States Air Force, and is a retired brigadier general. The post has 125 members, it was confirmed.
For many years, the Veterans Day Ceremony was held in the NBJH gym as a community event but not as an all school assembly.
“It’s a great opportunity for us, for the veterans from this town, from this community of Northbrook, to share with kids from Northbrook, I mean, we’re at Northbrook Junior High,” Kittler said.
“And to send that message to them, ‘Hey, we grew up here, we did our military service, we’re still in the community, we’re still with you,’ I think that resonates with them,” Kittler said.
Ron Bernardi, longtime volunteer associated with Northbrook Sunset Foods, enlisted to serve in the United States Coast Guard reserves from 1963 to 1970.
During the “An Armed Forces Tribute” program portion, veterans of the United States Navy, United States Army, U.S. Air Force, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard were recognized.
“This is great for the kids,” Bernardi said. “It (the ceremony) just makes them familiar with the military.”
Alisha Arms, 12, a NBJH sixth-grader from Northbrook, performed on violin during the ceremony and said about veterans, “They’ve worked so hard for our country, so it’s nice to be able to play (music) them something to show respect.”
Also performing on violin was Lilly Davidson, 11, a sixth-grader.
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“I think it’s really nice to be honoring these people who have done so much for our country,” Lilly said. “I’m really proud that they’re here.”
River Karp, 14, an eighth-grader, performed with the NBJH Concert Choir.
“My grandpa served in the Navy during Vietnam,” River said about grandfather (first name only) Rick, who lives in Montana.
“I’m really proud of him and I’m really glad he served our country,” River said. “He’s really important to me.”
Cellist Ziyan Guan, 13, an eighth-grader, said about military members, “I know they work really hard to protect our country every day.”
Sounding “taps” on trumpet was Olivia LaCerra, 16, a Glenbrook North High School junior from Northbrook.
“It’s very special for me because my grandpa also served,” Olivia said. “So it’s definitely important to me to be honoring the veterans and also for my own family.”
The storefront Northbrook Veterans Center at 1354 Shermer Road in downtown Northbrook is the home of the American Legion Post 791, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10236, American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion and American Legion Riders, according to https://www.americanlegion791.org.
There simply would not be enough room at the storefront to host a large-scale ceremony such as at Northbrook Junior High School. But 1354 Shermer Road is a regular destination for fellowship among veterans.
Legion Post 791 Jr. Vice Commander Mike Korman of Glenview said that maintaining posts for veterans is crucial.
“We have to keep these posts, as best we can, keep them alive,” Korman said. “It’s just so important because it’s part of the fabric of the community.”
Karie Angell Luc is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.