Photos and audio: Veteran’s Day event
The annual Veteran’s Day Program at Cook County Schools took place on Nov. 11 in the Pam Taylor Gymnasium.
“It’s our honor every year on November 11th, or as close as we can get to November 11th, to celebrate our local veterans who have served in all five of the military branches,” said Superintendent Chris Lindholm. “We take an hour and we listen to patriotic music, we always have a keynote, we like it to be a veteran, but it turns into a special time just to honor their service and the ways they’ve contributed to our country.”
Alex Gugala, the executive director at Cook County YMCA, served 11 years in the Marine Corps and shared his military service experience with the students and community.
“I learned how to love someone that is completely different than myself,” said Gugala. “There’s not a group of more dysfunctional human beings than a group in the Marine Corps. And to be able to come together, despite our differences, to achieve a common goal, and do it well, it’s really an amazing thing to see.”
Photos and audio from the event are below.
Chuck Olsen November 11, 2024
