Let There Be Little Doubt of Oswego's Commitment to Veterans

As America's service men and women continue today to fight and die in foreign lands, no one can say the people of Oswego have forgotten them or the countless others who have come before.

Over the last two days, I've had the privilege of witnessing that overwhelming support on many levels. 

Thursday started with theSingers performing eight songs for veterans who had come to enjoy a special ham lunch. The usually bustling center was quieted as the choir performed the patriotic numbers for an audience that sang along with nearly every word. 

Later that afternoon, I accompanied Oswego's own patriotic activist Pat Gavros to the to hand deliver 15 or so bundles of cards and letters to veterans living there. The cards and letters were written by students from across District 308 as part of

In all, some 4,800 students participated in the program, and more than 1,000 Illinois veterans will receive those letters. What an incredible gift!

Tears were flowing as Pat talked to each of the veterans at Bickford, thanking them for their service and telling them about outpouring of support from our school children.

"The support from the community has been amazing," Pat told me as we finished our rounds. "Every time I try something new it just gets bigger and better."

Friday started off with Oswego American Legion Post #675's ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Plaza at Main and Jefferson streets. More than 100 residents turned out to see the wreath laid before the memorial and witness the 21-gun salute.

Students from the sung the National Anthem along with students from both high schools playing Taps.

Next, I moved on to for the grand finale. The student assembly included the husband of eighth-grade teacher Kerri Moran, Christopher. He is the recipient of three service awards, including a Purple Heart, the Navy Cross and the NATO Alliance for his life-saving efforts of fellow sailors after their helicopter was shot down over the Adriatic Sea near Bosnia. 

OHS graduates, and sisters, Kristin and Amy Stoniecki, who both serve in the Navy were on hand, as well. Kristin appeared live via Skype from Japan, and Amy appeared in person. Kristin is a lieutenant nurse who has served in Kuwait and Afghanistan, and Amy is a supply officer who recently completed a year in Afghanistan, too.

All three of the veterans delivered messages of hope and inspiration to the junior high-schoolers who listened with rapt attention.

"I've never heard 879 junior high school students so quiet," said Principal Bryan Buck as the assembly drew to a close.

Plank wasn't the only school holding Veterans Day ceremonies. All District 308 schools honored those who've served in some way with many schools participating in all-school assemblies, featuring dozens of local veterans. 

Superintendent Dan O'Donnell, who attended four school assemblies, said the district makes a concerted effort to salute our veterans every year.

"With some many negative role models that these kids see everyday in the media, we're trying to reinforce to kids that these are the real heroes in life — not the people they see on TV," O'Donnell said.