Mundelein High students, staff honor veterans

Mundelein High School hosted dozens of local veterans, including Medal of Honor recipient Allen Lynch, during the school's annual Veterans Day assembly on Wednesday.

The ceremony opened with the veterans being escorted into the gym by the MHS Drumline, followed by the singing of the national anthem and a keynote address by Lynch, a Gurnee resident who earned the Medal of Honor for his service during the Vietnam War.

The MHS Honors Wind Ensemble performed the theme for each branch of the military, with veterans standing when the music from each of their branches was played.

Following the ceremony, veterans and their guests were served breakfast at the district office adjacent to the high school.

"For many schools, Veterans Day is just a day off from school," Chris Lagioia, social studies department chair and coordinator of this event, said in a news release. "Our school administration has chosen to have school on Veterans Day and to host this event as a way for students to understand the history of the country, its military and why veterans are honored on this special day."