An Illinois Army National Guard officer urged students to take an active role in honoring veterans during an assembly Nov. 11 at Lyons Township High School in La Grange.
“We have 18,000 National Guard soldiers deployed today, and many who paid the ultimate sacrifice and can’t be with us,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Bowman.
“We just welcomed 300 soldiers home from overseas two weeks ago,” Bowman said. “What can we do to honor them.”
Bowman, who enlisted in 1979, rose to command posts and continues to serve as an adviser, offered a series of concrete suggestions.
“You can vote, that’s what defines us as Americans. We have the freedom to vote,” he said. “If you’re an employer, hire a veteran. Our service members know how to be part of a team, and they value duty, honor, integrity and respect.”
Bowman asked listeners to spend time with veterans and urged military personnel to share their stories to raise awareness and understanding of the sacrifices made.
“Next time you see a veteran, tell them thank you,” he said. “The idea of service is what this day is all about. They may never have fought in combat, but they have been of service, which isn’t for everybody. Only 1 percent of our nation gets the chance to serve.”
Bowman challenged students to be of service, either in volunteering in their community or pursuing a profession of service, such as teaching or becoming a firefighter.
“There are so many jobs where you can give back,” he said. “You were born in this country. You can’t waste the opportunities you have been given.”
Nearly 100 military personnel, both active and retired, and their families filled the first two rows at the assembly. Many had been invited through a personal connection with Brookfield junior Kalyn Harris, who helped organize the program.
“I’ve been watching the assembly for two years, and I thought maybe it was missing some components. I had some ideas, and everybody was really supportive,” Harris said.
Harris and her family keep in touch with members of the Illinois National Guard’s 122nd Field Artillery Battalion. Her brother, Joshua, was part of the unit when he was killed by an improvised explosive device in 2008 in Afghanistan at the age of 22.
“A lot of them have been a source of help to us. They call, and we’re friends on Facebook,” she said.
Harris didn’t mention her loss or connection to the unit. She said she wanted to increase student understanding and gratitude for veterans.
“I’ve seen them struggle with things,” she said. “I just want the recognition for them they deserve.”
Two members of the Illinois National Guard in attendance said they were pleased with the respect shown.
“This was really good, a lot better than what my school put on,” said Specialist Mike Weinberg, 22, from Mokena. “I was in Washington, Ill., after the tornado hit. I’m in the honor guard for military funerals and going to school.”
Sgt. Jacob Martin said he appreciated Bowman’s remarks after serving in the task force he coordinated in Afghanistan in 2008 and 2009 to train security forces.
The program touched students as well.
“This is a great thing,” said La Grange junior Dirk Molek. “It’s incredible everything these people give up for so many others, and the things they’ve done are so selfless for us.”
Western Springs junior Gabby Esposito said she found senior James Arnold’s interpretation of “Taps” on the trumpet particularly moving.
La Grange junior T. J. Williams said he liked senior Chris Fonseca’s a capella version of the national anthem.
“It was awesome, really powerful to have everyone gathered here today,” Williams said.