When South took the field against Barrington on Sep. 12, the game was about more than football. The matchup, held just a day after the 24th Anniversary of 9/11, featured a special recognition ceremony honoring military veterans, first responders, and members of the active military.
The ceremony, organized with support from South’s Athletic Department and the SAO, was months in the making, ensuring that remembrance and unity remain at the center of the South community, Head Varsity Football Coach David Schoenwetter said. Taking place in the shadow of the attacks on the World Trade Center Buildings in New York City, the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, along with a fourth plane that crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, the evening was designed not only to pay tribute to those who lost their lives, but also to recognize the courage of first responders and veterans who served that day and afterward.
The evening began with invited guests, veterans, first responders, and military personnel, walking out with South’s varsity football team during warmups, and handing out customized towels, followed by a moment of silence before kickoff. At halftime, veterans and first responders were recognized as a group from the stands. Both South and Barrington High School coordinated the tribute, with coaching staff wearing matching shirts, and families from both communities invited to participate, Schoenwetter said.
“I thought it would be great to honor local veterans, current military, fire, police, and medical first responders,” Schoenwetter said. “We’re hopeful that people feel like we’re thinking about them.”
The idea has been on Schoenwetter’s mind for years since he did work for The Glenview Hanger One Foundation, an organization and museum dedicated to preserving the history of veterans of Naval Air Station Glenview, Schoenwetter said.
For many in attendance, the ceremony was personal. The tribute showed students the importance of remembering 9/11, Lt. Patrick McNamara of the Glenview Fire Department, said.
“You know, none of you high schoolers were alive when 9/11 happened,” McNamara said. “For us in the fire department, a big deal is that 343 of our brothers and sisters in New York were killed that day, the largest single loss of life in the U.S. fire service. We’re very touched that you’re keeping the memory alive and honoring those who perished.”
As someone who began teaching in the fall of 2001, the memory of 9/11 continues to shape how Schoenwetter teaches and coaches to this day.
“While trying to process [the 9/11 attacks], I realized how these tragic events galvanized the people of Glenview and the United States,” Schoenwetter said. “It inspired me to think about the power of unity. Every year, I begin with the question: What unites us? This game is another chance to ask that question together.”
The memorial game was meaningful regardless of South’s 51-31 loss to Barrington because the larger goal of the evening was unity and remembrance, Schoenwetter said.
“Beyond playing a game against each other, we’re all united beyond this,” Schoenwetter said. “That sense of community goes beyond our two towns playing each other. We’ve probably got a lot more in common than we sometimes realize.”
Many who were alive during the time remember exactly where they were on 9/11. At the time, people weren’t as globally aware and didn’t understand it, Adam Uscicki, Glenbrook South School Resource Officer, said.
“I know exactly where I was,” Uscicki said. “I was 17, and I watched the entire thing unfold live on TV. I was confused. What I carry with me is tremendous respect for first responders and the military. It’s important to never let that spirit die, that this is a great country and we’re proud to be here.”
