Veterans get a hero's welcome at Hawthorn Middle School South
Greeted by students carrying signs reading “Welcome” and “Thank you,” more than 50 veterans visited Hawthorn Middle School South in Vernon Hills on Monday for the school's Veterans Day Breakfast.
Members of the student council executive board served coffee, eggs, bacon and muffins to the veterans as they sat and talked with one another and their families.
“Some of the guys get really emotional as they come in and listen to the 'Star-Spangled Banner,'” said student council adviser Mary Castellano. “Our students need to know that this is our living history.”
Many of the veterans sat with family, and students smiled in pride while eating with fathers, mothers and grandparents who served in the military.
Before the veterans left, middle school students sat down with them to talk about their experiences and learn about their service to the country. “I think it's really good that they can come in and talk to each other,” said seventh grader Matthew Hirschman. “They are brave going into wars and that they are sharing their experiences.”
The group was entertained by the school chorus, which sang the national anthem, as well as by patriotic songs performed by the school's orchestra and band.