Veterans honored, treated at Frost Junior High

Last Thursday, veterans of the Schaumburg/Hoffman community walked past a wall of red, white, and blue remembrance - photos of their days of military service alongside present day photos, in a display of honor and thanks for their service.

This was the fourth annual Veterans Dinner held at Robert Frost Junior High School, recognizing 60 of the individuals who served us all so selflessly. Not to be left out, veterans of Friendship Village, pulled together by their community leader, were transported to this event.

First, all enjoyed the Spartan basketball team game of that day. Then it was off to the dinner in the decorated cafeteria. Altogether, 200 veterans and their family and friends were served dinner by volunteer staff, community members and students, who also enjoyed dinner and conversation with them.

In her relentless commitment to making the world a better place, P.E. teacher Joan Czarnecki, the organizer for this event, gathered donations of food for the dinner from Olive Garden, La Hacienda de Roselle and many others. T-shirts were donated by L&L Graphics. Additionally, each veteran, along with those from Friendship Village who were unable to attend, were given a blessing bag which included a Culver's gift card, T-shirt, flag, and Certificate of Appreciation for their service.

For those who have done so much, we salute them in our corner of the world, and thank them for its preservation.

Victoria A. Redican

Schaumburg