Northbrook Junior High hosted the American Legion Post 791 Veterans Day ceremony on Friday, Nov. 11, with an audience of over 600 students and 50 veterans and guests.

Post Commander Tom Kittler, Chaplain Tom Mahoney and Jr. Vice Commander Mike Korman led the program while the NBJH Wind Ensemble performed the national anthem, “America the Beautiful” and a medley of the armed forces songs.

“It’s great that NBJH offers to host us. It gets the message out to the kids that being a veteran means something,” Gen. Kittler said.

Band Director Greg Scapillato contacted the American Legion about 10 years ago looking to involve the band in the holiday and has been working in partnership with them ever since.

“This day and this event is a moment when we honor the sacrifice and service of these individuals, and we have the privilege to do so through MUSIC. Their performance today is a wonderful way to experience the power their gift of music can have on a community,” Mr. Scapillato said.

When the district changed Veterans Day to an attendance day in 2019, one of the bonuses was to involve students in recognizing veterans. After two years of assembly restrictions due to the pandemic, the all-school assembly returned.

“Northbrook Junior High is thrilled to play host for such a meaningful event for the community. We know how much this day and this ceremony means to our local veterans. You can see on their faces how they beam with pride as we recognize their past service. It’s important that our school community is aware of the sacrifices they have made and that we honor all they have done to make our country a great place to live,” Principal Dr. Scott Meek said.

 Residents can watch the recorded program on the D28Music YouTube Channel.

Local veterans salute during The National Anthem at the Veterans Day all-school assembly at NBJH.

GBN senior Colin Rowan plays taps while veterans salute the flag outside Northbrook Junior High, closing the Veterans Day ceremony.