On October 24, 2024, Harlem High School hosted a ceremony to support the Army National Guard as they prepared to deploy to Poland. The mission of the deployment is to conduct fuel operations in the U.S. European Command Area Of Responsibility. This ceremony was hosted during the active school day and allowed students to come see both the helicopters land and the ceremony itself.

As the wind blew in from the west, the UH-72A LAKOTA Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) helicopters flew above Harlem High School landing on the Harlem football practice field, and with them came Brigadier General Lenny Williams and Major-General Rodney C. Boyd. The helicopter was a once in a lifetime experience for many kids like Conner Clark (11) who says, “It created new memories and experiences for kids at Harlem.” Harlem high school principal Dr. Jeremy Bois came out from the crowd of students and teachers as they watched the helicopters fly in. He walked out onto the field to shake the military leaders’ hands and welcomed them to the Huskie community.

The ceremony began in the Harlem High School gymnasium at 1pm. At this time all of the Army National Guard Soldiers began to march in. There were approximately 160 Army National Guard Soldiers who are getting ready to deploy to Poland for what is expected to be 11 to 12 months. As their family and friends came to say goodbye, the moment was both joyous and somber as loved ones sacrifice their own for the good of the people. The speakers not only thanked the soldiers but thanked families in recognition for their services.

Harlem High School students have never witnessed something so surreal, making this a one time rarity for not only the students of Harlem but also everyone else that showed up. All of Harlem’s varsity teams were invited to attend. Clark (11) was one of the Harlem students that attended the ceremony to help represent the varsity football team. Clark says, “It was definitely a cool and unique experience that the Governor of Illinois came to the high school!” It was a big impact for seniors and other students who plan to join the armed forces after high school. They were able to see how the family of these soldiers feel watching their loved ones be sent off.

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker was in attendance along with many others including Illinois State senator Andrew Chesney and Illinois state representative John Cabello. During Governor J.B. Pritzker’s speech to the soldiers he said, “You have answered a truly extraordinary call. You are going above and beyond to serve not just your country and your fellow citizens but our alliances in the global community of nations.”

With being on deployment for long periods of time, let it be known that soldiers will be missing their families, friends, as well as significant others. In return they will be missed all the same. However, this is a cause worth fighting for and it is for that reason that Harlem invited them in to thank all soldiers for their service and continuing the fight for our country.