Laughter, stories, and patriotic music filled the halls of Evergreen Park Community High School Monday, Nov. 10, as students and veterans came together to celebrate Veterans Day.
The breakfast took place at Evergreen Park High, 9901 S. Kedzie Ave., where about 30 veterans and their families were welcomed by National Honor Society members for a morning of food, conversation, and song.
Ben Nesler, teacher, Division Chair of Social Studies and Business, and NHS advisor, said the event gives students a rare chance to connect with those who served the country.
“This year, as every year, members of NHS hosted our veteran guests and their families, sitting with the veterans during breakfast while interviewing them about their experiences in the service of our country,” Nesler said. “The EPCHS choir entertained our guests with the Armed Forces Medley and other patriotic numbers. At the end of the breakfast, NHS members introduced their guests and shared the information they learned.”
Students said the event was both moving and meaningful.
Senior Jade Alfano said, “It is incredibly honorable for our school to host this Veterans Breakfast and recognize the incredible men and women who have served our country. It’s a privilege to come together and show our appreciation for their courage, sacrifice, and dedication. It is so important to express gratitude and celebrate the heroes who make our freedom possible.”
Senior Louise Brady added, “I think the breakfast is a good reminder to our veterans that the community around them remembers their sacrifice and that their service wasn’t in vain. For those who aren’t with us today, it’s a reminder that we haven’t forgotten them.”
For many students, the event was also a family affair. Sophomore Molly Goyke, 15, of Evergreen Park, attended with her grandfather, John Sears of Hickory Hills, who served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968.
“This means a lot to me to be able to share this moment together,” Goyke said.
“It’s nice to take the time to remember and honor those who are no longer here with us,” Sears said.
Bob Hestroffer, of Mt. Greenwood, who served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970, said he has attended the event in past years and looks forward to it every November.
Junior Hannah Pikus, 16, of Evergreen Park, said, “It’s exciting to hear all of the veterans’ stories.”
Senior Michael Visser, 17, of Evergreen Park, attended with his grandfather, John Janson of Alsip, who served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969 during the Vietnam War.
“It’s nice to finally be recognized — we weren’t given much attention back then,” Janson said.
“It’s important for me to recognize the sacrifices he made for our freedom,” Visser added.
Nesler said the event holds special meaning for the EPCHS community, which has long supported service members by sending care packages overseas, creating a Wall of Honor for alumni who served, and recognizing both veterans and graduating students entering the armed forces.
“I have become more attached to our veteran guests over the years and have mourned the loss of several veterans I met through this breakfast,” Nesler said. “The great part is that a new generation of vets has begun attending, and each year we hear new, poignant stories about service to our country.”
Nesler said his favorite part is seeing NHS students step out of their “digital comfort zones” to engage in meaningful, face-to-face conversations. He also praised the veterans, many of whom remain active in the community, sharing stories of volunteering and mentorship that continue to inspire students.
“These veterans embody the ideal of knowing your community and where you came from,” Nesler said.
Thank you for this timely report.
This was here the day of the event.
Many times we see local events a week or so later.