Approximately 75 local veterans were the guests of honor Monday at a Veterans Day Assembly at the Chester Grade School.
The hourlong event was organized by CGS teachers Sue Colonel, Mary Bohnert and Casey Peters, who were assisted by students, other teachers and staff.
Students, meanwhile, were asked to invite parents, relatives and others who had served in the armed services or who are currently serving. Besides the special guest veterans, numerous parents and other local patriotic members of the community also attended the event.
The event began with a warm welcome from CGS Principal Bill Grafton, himself a veteran of the Illinois National Guard. As music was played over the school sound system, the veterans paraded into the gymnasium to the loud cheers of students and adult guests, all waving small American flags. It was a joyous entry for the veterans who then took their special reserved seats to the left of the main podium on the gym floor.
After the Pledge of Allegiance and national anthem, eighth graders Isaiah Ferrell, Maddox Hunter, Amanda Kennon, Kylie Maue, Rylie McDonough, Eli Stout, Whitney Sulser and Mabry Wingerter opened the program with short speeches on patriotism.
Sue Colonel, CGS general music teacher, led the 1st through 4th graders in singing "God Bless America." She then conducted the Junior High Band, which "We Honor You" as an emotional video played on the screen.
Sixth grader David August recited a poem titled, "Thanks to Veterans," that he wrote in honor of his Navy veteran father, John August. David won a class poetry contest for his poem which earned him the honor of reading his poem at the assembly.
The Junior High Band then performed, "Armed Forces on Parade" which features the theme songs of the various branches of the service. As each song was played in the medley, members of the branch being recognized stood to loud applause.
Next on center stage was special guest speaker, Chester Police Chief Bobby Helmers, a veteran of the U.S. Army and Army Reserves. Helmers told the audience he has appreciated the good care and attention that Chester citizens have provided to local veterans over the years.
He pointed to the 75 veterans seated to his right and said, "These are the real heroes here today! They should all be praised for their service to America and for their many sacrifices."
As he concluded his remarks, the Junior High Band performed, "Hymn to the Fallen," accompanied by a video, showing the cemeteries and burial grounds both at home and abroad, where Americans were buried after being killed in action.
The CGS Junior High Chorus, directed by Steve Colonel, performed "God Bless the USA."
Mary Bohnert then discussed the meaning behind Blue Star families, which have a member of the immediate family currently serving in the military; and Gold Star families, which have had a family member killed while serving.
Bohnert introduced two Chester Grade School students who are in active military families. Addison Zavala's father, Anthony is in the Army and her mother, Sarah Boone, who served in the Air Force. Aaron Bierman has a family member serving in the U.S. Air Force. Both Addison and Aaron were recognized as being Blue Star children.
Principal Bill Grafton then thanked everyone for attending and taking part in the 2019 CGS Veterans Day Assembly. The students made their way to the gym flood to present the vets with homemade gifts.
