Waiting for the assembly to start (from left) are kindergardeners Maggie Lobo of Wadsworth, Max Saucedo of Gurnee, Ellie Cissel of Zion and Lauren Berg of Antioch. | Michael Schmidt~Sun-Times Media

Playing an instrumental during the prelude are fourth graders Harry Smigielski (left) and Dominick Buccelli, both of Gurnee. Harry's father Navy Lieutenant Dan Smigielski was the guest speaker. | Michael Schmidt~Sun-Times Media

Ainsley Kness of a second grader of Waukegan waits for the God Bless America Day assembly to start in the Beohm Center at Saint Patrick's School in Wadsworth which is a Memorial Day themed event honoring and giving thanks to our men and women who have fought for our freedom, their courage and willingness to die for our freedom. | Michael Schmidt~Sun-Times Media

Navy personal marching in during the flag presentation (from left) are Lieutenant Dan Smigielski of Gurnee, intelligence specialist Tom Zmuda of Gary and intelligence specialist Mary Sandrick of Chicago.

Singing along during the National Anthem (from left) are kindergardeners Caleb Stolarik of Wadsworth, Hannah Rojas of Lindenhurst and Robert Blankley of Beach Park. | Michael Schmidt~Sun-Times Media

Fourth graders Ally Heuschmidt of Beach Park (left) and Kylie Jasnoch of Wildwood recite a poem called Our Flag Flies High. | Michael Schmidt~Sun-Times Media

Yasmin Hernandez of Wadsworth (left) and Isabella Jansen of Gurnee (right) and the rest of the fourth grade choir sing From A Distance.

Intelligence specialist Tom Zmuda answers a question of a student. | Michael Schmidt~Sun-Times Media

The fourth grade choir sing From A Distance. | Michael Schmidt~Sun-Times Media

Fourth graders Alyssa Coe of Lindenhurst (left) and Yasmin Hernandez recite a poem called The Heart of America. | Michael Schmidt~Sun-Times Media

Medkao Curry a first grader of Beach Park listens during the assembly. | Michael Schmidt~Sun-Times Media

Intelligence specialist Mary Sandrick answers a question of a student. | Michael Schmidt~Sun-Times Media

Intelligence specialist Tom Zmuda answers a question of a student. | Michael Schmidt~Sun-Times Media

Guest speaker Lieutenant Dan Smigielski talks to the students. | Michael Schmidt~Sun-Times Media

Lieutenant Dan Smigielski talks to the students. | Michael Schmidt~Sun-Times Media

Lieutenant Dan Smigielski (left) gives principal Marcie Bosnak a United States Marine Corps sweatshirt. Marcie said she liked the Marines so Smigielski gave it to her even though he is in the Navy. Bosnak later explained that she loves all the branches of the military. | Michael Schmidt~Sun-Times Media

Fourth graders Annie Stingle (left) and Emma Parker, both of Gurnee, recite a poem called Honor Our Military. | Michael Schmidt~Sun-Times Media

Principal Marcie Bosnak talks at the end of the ceremony giving thanks to all service members. | Michael Schmidt~Sun-Times Media