'97 Graduate, Alex Witt, Returns to St. Theresa School on Veterans Day
St. Theresa Catholic School students worked hard to make the Veterans Day Prayer Service memorable as they paid tribute to their fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, and anyone else who has served our country. Many of them were in attendance on Thursday at the Palatine school for their annual Veterans Day Prayer Service. The students created banners that showed family members that served our country as they carried and processed them through the church. With respect to each branch of military service, Students stood with honor as they sang each song representing the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines.
Special guest Alex Witt, '97 STS Graduate, Master at Arms, Third Class, U.S. Navy gave a moving speech where he explained to the students it was a combination of his family and his Catholic school education that got him to where he is today. Joining the Navy in 2001 he was quick to move up the ranks where at one point, found himself assigned to security as a Dignitary MP and traveled with John McCain on his airplane. Along with his family, he attributes St. Theresa school and his teachers as instilling the building blocks that keep him grounded to live an honest life, a good life, one that drives him to help others and serve. Alex stated that "through the years when I was faced with challenges I could still hear my STS teachers telling me to "do the right thing." They are in my heart forever and that is a special thing, it's hard to describe. I know that I am also in their hearts because when I was in Iraq I got care packages from them and their students and I couldn't believe it." Alex concluded his speech with a request to all STS students to wake up every day and say "thank you" to your parents and to be grateful for all those who serve because that is what makes this country worth fighting for.
The prayer service was concluded with Fr. Gregg asking all veterans in the church to come up to the alter for a special blessing. The entire church stood and gave a round of applause to show gratitude and respect for what they have done to keep our nation safe.