The first stop was the morning assembly at Prairie School. The gymnasium was packed with nearly 500 children, many of whom were clad in red, white and blue outfits and some waving small American flags. The air inside was thick with anticipation.
Orland Park Mayor Jim Dodge looked out across the gym at a sea of smiling young faces Friday morning as he took part in the second of seven Veterans Day celebrations he would attend over the next few days at schools and other venues across the village.
“This is a celebration of the people who guarantee our freedoms every day,” he said, adding he was truly moved by the depth by which the administrators, staff and students went to make the program so special. “The program (the kids put on today) was truly heartfelt. It’s really about showing that gratitude.”
Dodge, an Army National Guard veteran, was joined at the ceremony in the school’s gym by Village Trustee Dina Lawrence.
Members of the local VFW posted colors to begin the ceremony.
Prairie School music teacher Kevin Brown led students in each of the grade levels from kindergarten through second grade to inspiring songs that received roaring ovations.
Veterans Day is a sacred tradition in Orland Park, with many families having loved ones with a connection to the military. Some of them were in attendance while others had their names on the giant screen with their respective military affiliations and the students with whom they were related.
“We all need to understand that true freedom isn’t free,” Dodge said. “Today we remember the brave men and women who wore the uniform to protect the freedoms we hold dear. It’s about duty and sacrifice.”
Next up for Dodged was Jerling Junior High School, where the atmosphere would be decidedly more reserved. It was moments like these, connecting the town’s past with its future, that made the job worthwhile.
Dodge had honored the veterans, engaged the youth and strengthened the community’s commitment to remembering those who served.
It was a good day’s work.
