The Leo High School choir held a heartfelt performance during a special Veterans Day ceremony on November 11, 2023, at the school’s campus in South Side, Chicago. This event honored alumni who served in the military, creating a poignant atmosphere filled with nostalgia and pride.
The choir, which gained recognition from its recent appearance on America’s Got Talent, delivered a stirring rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The performance resonated deeply with the veterans and attendees, evoking a sense of patriotism and connection to their alma mater. James Lewandowski, a Vietnam War veteran and former member of the Leo glee club, expressed his pride, saying, “I sang bass. I was singing right along with them, and I still hit the notes!”
Many veterans in attendance reminisced about their time at Leo High School and their military service. Rich Venkus, another Vietnam War veteran, shared his experience: “I was Air Force. I was in planes, but there’s no way I’m jumping out of them,” he recalled humorously, referencing his airborne classmates.
Each year, veterans return to Leo High School shortly before Veterans Day to honor their peers who served. This tradition reflects the school’s legacy of military service, with plaques commemorating alumni who made the ultimate sacrifice. According to Lewandowski, “If you could look at some of the plaques on the wall, you could see how many men who died in World War II, in the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Desert Storm, and all wars following.”
During the ceremony, the names of 75 Leo graduates who served and lost their lives were read aloud, creating a solemn moment of reflection. The wreath-laying ceremony highlighted the enduring bond between past and present students, uniting them in a shared legacy of service and sacrifice.
As the event concluded, veterans and attendees left with renewed appreciation for their school and the sacrifices made by those who served. The Leo High School choir’s performance not only celebrated Veterans Day but also reinforced the importance of honoring those who have defended their country.
