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Eastland Schools Open to Honor Veterans
LANARK The Eastland School District hosted a truly educational experience to observe Veterans Day on November 11th. In March the Eastland Board of Education requested permission from the State of Illinois to hold school on Veterans Day for a three year trial period. The State agreed, and separate observances took place at each of the district's schools. The Veterans Day activities started at the Eastland High School with an honor breakfast for veterans and their spouses. Following the breakfast, an assembly was held in the High School gymnasium to commemorate the service and sacrifices made by local veterans in the defense of our country. The Veterans Day speaker at the High School assembly was SFC Roger Miller. His message addressed Yesterday's Veterans, Today's Military, and Tomorrow's Challenges. The Eastland High School band and chorus performed several rousing tunes by John Phillip Sousa. Annabelle Borota, Francesca Huggins, Kerby Kniss and Jenna Simpson read essays on "Does America Still Have Heroes?" Of special note was Le Hartman's reading of a letter received by Mike Misiewicz, a Class of 1985 Lanark High School graduate, now a U.S. Navy Commanding Officer of the USS Mustin.
CDR Misiewicz wrote, "While at sea this Sunday night with my crew, we are conducting our mission with little notice outside the several hundred square miles of ocean that we are operating within. My team continues to work our mission 24/7 until the job is done because they know someone has to do it and that it is vital to our national security. However, I also know several Sailors on my ship tonight, especially the newest and youngest, are missing their families and friends tremendously . . . Sailors just don't stand the watch at sea. In any given day 52,000 Sailors are deployed globally - 14,000 of whom are on the ground in the Middle East. Having had the privilege to command Sailors and Soldiers in Iraq, it was inspiring to see several of these young men and women serve in areas and jobs they never thought they would when volunteering to join the Navy. "I was asked to write a few words for your Veteran's Day celebration and feel honored to do so. Thinking
back to my days in Lanark and at Lanark High as a 'Fighting Beaver', I really knew very little about the Navy or the military, even though my Mom Maryna proudly served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam. And fortunately for me, if she had not done so, I wouldn't be in the position that I am today in command of 300+ Sailors aboard a multi-billion dollar U.S. warship that is part of the largest permanently forward deployed naval force in the world. To have this opportunity I have certainly been blessed, and in large part due to a Veteran Mom who sacrificed so much in her personal life to adopt and raise me. However, just like most Veterans that are serving and have served in our military, my Mom will tell you that her sacrifices were "no big thing". I'll tell you that this spirit of unselfishness and service is at the core of each and every one of our 23 million living Veterans and is why they represent the best that America has to offer . "Knowing that instead of enjoying your day off today you
are conducting school events to honor those who have served means the world to me, and I'm sure it means the same to all those who currently wear and have worn the uniform. I wish I could be there with you to share in the celebration to honor our country's Veterans. Go Eastland High and good luck to the Lady Cougars at the state volleyball tournament! Well done and God bless!" An observance took place at the Eastland Middle School in Shannon. The theme centered on "What is Veterans Day?" The Eastland Middle School band performed, and veterans museum and student Veterans Day projects were displayed. In the afternoon the Eastland Elementary School hosted an observance for the veterans. The theme at the elementary school was "What and Who are Veterans?" The 333rd Military Police Company of the Illinois National Guard provided exhibits for the students and guests.
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