Addison Trail hosts, participates in events to recognize Veterans Day

Each year, District 88 recognizes Veterans Day, which provides an opportunity to pause and reflect to honor and thank those who have served/plan to serve in the U.S. military.

Veterans Day honors the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” of 1918 that signaled the end of World War I, known as Armistice Day. District 88 remains open on this day to help ensure students learn about the significance of this event.

On Nov. 10, Addison Trail hosted its annual luncheon to celebrate local veterans and members of the Addison VFW Post 7446, as well as students who plan to join the military. That event was coordinated by the Addison Trail Veterans Support Organization (ATVSO). To view a photo gallery, see the images above.

During the luncheon, members of Addison Trail’s Blazer Battalion U.S. Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program presented a color guard, Addison Trail Principal Jack Andrews welcomed the audience, and ATVSO Co-Presidents and seniors Julia Ebbole and Zion Martinez gave a message of thanks to the honored guests. This year’s event had about 100 veterans and 30 other guests, and it continues to expand.

On Nov. 11, Addison Trail students participated in the Village of Addison’s Veterans Day Ceremony. Members of Addison Trail’s JROTC program presented the colors, the Addison Trail Concert Choir performed, Ebbole and Martinez spoke about the ATVSO and senior Sophia Barragan (a JROTC cadet) shared information about the JROTC program. To watch the ceremony, click on the video above. To view a photo gallery, see the images above.

ABOUT THE ADDISON TRAIL VETERANS SUPPORT ORGANIZATION (ATVSO)
The ATVSO coordinates the Flags for Addison project, where community members can make a $50 donation to have a flag placed in the yard of their business or home. Flags are placed from sunup to sundown on Memorial Day, Flag Day, Fourth of July, Sept. 11 and Veterans Day.

The group helps with other initiatives and charity work as well, including assisting the Addison VFW Post 7446, being part of the Ronald McDonald House Pop Tab program, collecting food and hygiene items for active members of the military and – of course – helping with Addison Trail’s Veterans Day event.

For questions or more information, contact Addison Trail social studies teacher and ATVSO adviser LeVonne Cescolini-Boyer at lcescolini@dupage88.net or 630-628-3347.