Old Quarry Middle School Honors Veterans At Annual Assembly

LEMONT, IL — Old Quarry Middle School hosted its annual Veterans Day Assembly on Monday, honoring the brave men and women who have served the country. The event brought together students, staff, veterans, and community members for a ceremony which featured band and choir performances, speeches and reflections from essay winners, the school said in a release.

The assembly began with a welcome address by Principal Joe Sweeney, followed by the National Anthem performed by the Old Quarry Choir.

The Old Quarry Band delivered a performance, and two student essay winners, Jan Olchawa and Eleanor Nichols, shared their reflections on what Veterans Day means to them, according to the school. The event also featured a special "mail call" segment, where veterans were recognized for their service across different military branches, including the Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.

Keynote speaker Raphael Carrión, a combat veteran who served in both the Army and National Guard for six years, spoke about his experiences and the importance of service. Among the honored guests were veterans representing a wide range of service experiences, from World War II to more recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"The event concluded with a heartfelt 'thank you' from the entire Old Quarry community, recognizing the veterans’ contributions and the freedoms their service has safeguarded," the school said in a release.

Principal Joe Sweeney expressed his gratitude to the staff, students, and community members who contributed to the success of the assembly.

"This event is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices our veterans have made for our country. It’s an honor to come together as a school and show our respect and appreciation," Sweeney said.