Message from Mr. Fornaciari 9/21/18
Posted on Sep 21, 2018
Dear SJF Parents,
In speaking with SJF students this summer it became very apparent they take great pride in the tradition of the parish. Our current staff and students hope to build on that tradition by having a tremendous 2018-2019 school year. Traditions are sometimes built through common rituals which can help unite groups or institutions. As Catholics we all understand and appreciate the importance of our common faith rituals.
Many SJF students can relate to the use of rituals because they are an important part of their family life. As Americans, most of us enjoy taking part in national rituals like celebrating the 4thof July. SJF teachers look for opportunities to investigate these important religious and patriotic rituals with students.
Each November, Veterans Day provides an opportunity for our nation to celebrate the efforts of those that have served. A group of SJF teachers is currently planning a series of special events to help celebrate Veterans Day. We plan on sharing important details in the coming weeks which will include an opportunity for parents to get involved.
As a teacher, I understood that sharing stories of our nation’s veterans could inspire students. A story that inspired me involves Chicago native Jeffrey Lemon. Officer Lemon’s plane was shot down over Laos in May of 1971. Jeff’s mother, Mary Carol Lemon, was friendly with my mother through their involvement in the Infant Jesus of Prague parish in Flossmoor. Before Jeff’s family moved to Flossmoor he had graduated from Mendel Catholic High School and Villanova University. He was married and had two young children when the F-4 he was piloting was shot down. Mary Carol quickly became a leading figure behind the development of “The League of POW/MIA Families” an organization which was established to help bring attention and action to the MIA issue. As a young student I remember Mrs. Lemon passing out Jeff’s POW/MIA bracelet to neighbors and friends. Now, almost fifty years later this organization continues to call attention to the 1500 servicemen that are still listed as “MIA” through the National POW/MIA Recognition Day which happens to be today 9/21/2018. If you are interested in Jeff’s story or those of any other serviceman lost in Vietnam please visit the Vietnam Veterans Virtual Wall (http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/30354/JEFFREY-C-LEMON).
I know our SJF Veterans Day celebration will help continue to inspire our students the same way Jeff Lemon’s story inspired me. Have a great weekend.
Daily Southtown MIA.docx
Thank You,
Jim Fornaciari