Veterans Day 2009

This year, instead of taking the day off, 27 DHS Warrior Marching Band students gave back to the community by performing patriotic music for veterans throughout Deerfield and Riverwoods. We began the day at Brentwood North where 30 residents were treated to a concert including the service songs of the US Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and Air Force. Each student shared the name of a family member or friend from the armed forces to whom his or her performance was dedicated. Harrison Middaugh performed "Taps" in memory of servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

Our next stop was the Veterans' Memorial in Jewett Park where the American Legion Post 738 led their annual ceremony with the band supplying appropriate music. After lunch, we finished our day at Whitehall where we serenaded about 40 residents and physical theraphy patients in their lovely downstairs cityscape. The band students did a wonderful job of performing and talking to the senior citizens. There were smiles and tears all around, and I was told time and time again how wonderful it was to have the students visit. We even got to sing "Happy Birthday" for a woman celebrating her 93rd birthday. It was a memorable experience that showed me once again the power of music to affect people in a deep and meaningful way.