Veterans and students dine together at honorary breakfasts in Evergreen Park
Youths show appreciation for service
Though he’s only in sixth grade, Kennedy Cross has always considered his mom a role model, not just as a parent but as a veteran who served her country.
Cross and his classmates at Central Middle School in Evergreen Park had a chance to show their appreciation for Cross’ mom, Candace Price, along with dozens of other veterans Friday during a special breakfast and assembly in their honor. Some veterans were invited by students, and others who live in the area have made it a tradition to attend the yearly event.
“I wanted to be a part of something bigger,” said Price, an Army veteran who lives in Evergreen Park. “I wanted to do it for my son and family just to set an example.”
Price, who was honorably discharged from the National Guard in May, said she loved hearing her son tell her she was his role model.
“It makes me feel I’m doing something right,” said Price. “It makes me proud he understands and appreciates that at such a young age.”
Debby Weston, a special education teacher and one of the organizers, read the name of each veteran who attended, asking them to stand as she did.
Among those were Greg Janicki, a Marine Corps veteran who served from 1969 to 1971 but was not deployed oversees. He enjoyed the breakfast with his two grandchildren who attend Central.
“It’s a nice time,” said Janicki.
The assembly included a presentation of the colors from Evergreen Park Girl and Boy Scouts, a flag folding ceremony, music from the school’s concert band, the concert choir and a patriotic reading from Principal Michelle Reed.
Frank Brzeczek, a World War II veteran, who has attended the event a number of times over the years, said he almost didn’t make it into the Army because of an ear problem. But he persisted.
“I more or less tried to insist,” said Brzeczek, who has lived in Evergreen Park for decades. “At that time, we felt that was our duty to serve our country.”
But Brzeczek isn’t one to brag about his service.
“I remember, but never talk about it,” he said, noting he’ll open up about his war experiences only with those who “have it in common.”
“I just don’t like to talk about it because there’s nothing pretty … if it’s not you it’s him, to survive,” Brzeczek said.
Brzeczek said he didn’t know he had a comrade close by in Evergreen Park until a few years ago, when he met Arnold Marzullo, who was also in the 103rd Infantry Division. Though Marzullo died several years ago, Brzeczek is now friends with his son, Evergreen Park Trustee Mark Marzullo.
“He said, ‘My dad is gone … I’m going to adopt you,’ ” recalled Brzeczek.
Theannual breakfast also helped Brzeczek to meet another new friend — Dave Wolfe, a Navy veteran, who served in the Gulf War, and sat with him during the breakfast. The two met in the school parking lot, where Wolfe offered to help him.
“Sometimes in life, the military will give you a little bit of knowledge of things, help you grow up a little,” Wolfe said about his experience. It’s a lesson he recently shared with his daughter, who is in college.
“It might help you have a vision of what you want to do in life,” he said.
Another event on Thursday gave area veterans a chance to dine with older students during the 11th annual Veterans Breakfast at Evergreen Park Community High School.
The event was hosted by the National Honor Society and included entertainment from the school’s band and choir.
According to a release from the school, the veter- ans enjoyed the morning and students were grateful to have the opportunity to meet with them. The guests talkedabout the people they met during their service and shared their experiences.
“Our students really benefit fromthis opportunity to learn firsthand the sacrifice and patriotism of the veterans of our armed forces. It is my hope that they take this with them as they develop in to our future leaders,” said teacher Ben Nesler, who helped organize the event.