In honor of Veterans Day, MacArthur Middle School in Prospect Heights treated Veterans like royalty honoring them for their services. On Wednesday, November 7th, 2018, Veterans were invited to enjoy a breakfast and assembly to honor the service and sacrifice of all Veterans who served in the United States military. Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard were all represented.

The morning started at 8:30 with a greeting at the door by MacArthur staff and students where Veterans signed in and were then escorted to the cafeteria where they were served a nice breakfast by the Student Senate Members. Pancakes, eggs, sausage, bacon, and cinnamon rolls made up the menu. These hard working young men and ladies made sure everyone was taken care of and well fed. The MacArthur Serenading Strings filled the background with patriotic music.

At 9:30, all of the Veterans were escorted to the gymnasium to attend the assembly in their honor. Veterans of all ages that served from WWII through today’s Middle East skirmishes were in attendance, including representatives of the Arlington Heights Police, Prospect Heights Police, and Prospect Heights Fire departments who served in the military.

The assembly started with introductions by the MacArthur Middle School staff followed by readings of the origins of the “Pledge of the Allegiance” and the “Star Spangled Banner” by students Natalia and Christian. The Presentation of Colors was presented by the Wheeling High School ROTC Cadets. Veterans then joined the Student Body in the saying of the Pledge of Allegiance. The MacArthur Concert Chorus and MacArthur Concert Band sang and played the Star Spangled Banner.

The Assembly continued with readings of origins and poems by students Samantha, Sam, Larry, Natalia, and Peyton honoring Veterans Day. The MacArthur Concert Chorus then sang the fight songs for all of the U.S. Military branches where the Veterans of those branches would stand to be recognized as their branch song was represented.

The Assembly concluded with the MacArthur senior staff reading each Veteran’s name, branch of service, and when they served with each Veteran standing to be recognized individually. Two Veterans that served in WWII were greeted with a standing ovation by the rest of the Veterans, student body, and staff.

The students and staff of MacArthur Middle School should be proud of the program they put together for our Veterans. As an attendee of this great program, it was an honor and a privilege to be invited.