Dr. Carlson explained that Sergeant Allen is an active-duty soldier with 16 years of service. He has been deployed a total of five years to Iraq and Afghanistan and is currently recruiting future soldiers.
He thanked Sergeant Allen and his father-in-law, Viet Nam Veteran, Ron Walczak, who was also in attendance, for their service and for joining the Willowbrook community at the assembly.
During the assembly, fifth-grade Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts participated in flag-raising. There was the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, and everyone sang the National Anthem and America the Beautiful.
Student representatives talked about how a person can properly thank a veteran by attending a Veterans Day assembly or event; donating to a charity that supports veterans; fly the American flag, and ask a friend or family member about their service in the military.
Willowbrook students are also being encouraged to write thank-you letters to military veterans. (See article below). They will be sent to Honor Flight Chicago.
At the conclusion of the assembly, Dr. Carlson reminded everyone, "Let us be inspired by the patriotism and sacrifices that our military has shown us. Let us commit ourselves to serve each other and members of our community."
Willowbrook Students Writing Letters to Support Honor Flight Chicago
Willowbrook School recognized Veterans Day again this year with a flag-raising ceremony at 8:45 a.m., on Monday, November 11.
In recognition of this important day, Principal Dr. Scott Carlson invites each classroom to generate “mail call” student letters in support of Honor Flight Chicago (HFC). HFC recognizes WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans with a day of honor and gratitude at their war memorials in Washington, D.C.
There are links in the November 1 "What's Up Willowbrook?" newsletter (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-YuxJ_oPB930WxusEuuB19hw9NVV0UlO/view) to a Mail Call Flyer with directions and explanations, and a seven-minute WGN story on the Honor Flight.
The front office will handle sending student letters to HFC. If you are interested in other short videos that explain Veterans Day, here are four to choose from:
This has some good information in a nice easy way for kids. https://youtu.be/c-qxrCRfcS4
This one has some good info and geared to keep student interest. https://youtu.be/pxVs4B9M9Ec
This one could be easily redone for schools to make a similar video. https://youtu.be/iwARh3i8pNo
This is one with Michelle Obama and the Penguins from Madagascar. https://youtu.be/WmRHhdVGHMI
