The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by: Shana Jackson, The Quill
The Illini West High School students held a Veteran's Day program at 10:30 in the school gymnasium on Tuesday, November 10th starting with the presentation of colors by the American Legion color guards.
The band opened the ceremony playing "The National Anthem," and Illini West Principal Brad Gooding gave a welcoming speech.
The band followed up by playing the Armed Forces: The Pride of America with veterans or active soldier members standing when their branch of service was sung. Each was escorted up to the stage by an Illini West student.
The History of Veteran's day was told by Principal Gooding and he introduced the choir who sang the moving song "America".
Each Veteran stood and introduced themselves and telling the branch of service they were in or had served.
The ceremony concluded with a moment of silence, the playing of TAPS, and the retiring of the American flag by the American Legion.
The Illini West staff and students did a great job recognizing and saying "thank you" to the veterans and soldiers on this very significant holiday.