Leo Veterans Observance - Facta Non Verba: Honor in Deeds Not Just Words

The Marines of Chicago's Own - 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines carried 1903 Springfield rifles in tribute to the late James Durkin, USMCR Leo Class of 1930 veteran of Guadalcanal, British Solomon Islands 1942, as it was the weapon Mr. Durkin carried in that campaign.


The Durkin Family with Leo President Dan McGrath and Principal Phil Mesina


Liam Durkin and his sister Lilly helped their Mom lay a wreath at the Memorial in Leo's courtyard that was placed in 1965 through the efforts of James Durkin, Leo '30.



Three heroes of the Vietnam War - Leo Men and veterans of the 25th Infantry Division




The Honor is a small part of our obligation


Korean War vet and CFD hero Jim Corbett gives Leo Math teacher Ms. Hickey sound advice concerning the like-surnamed troll to Chief Corbett's right.



Mr. Holden and Mr. Richards of Bugles Across America did a Taps Duet.


Campus Minister Pete Doyle leads all in the Catholic Prayer-  Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

More great Photos by Phil Mesina, Leo Principal 

America's First Responders Lead Leo Men to Honor the Fallen

The honor guard of Chicago's Own 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines leads the two hundred veterans and the Leo  High School student body and staff to the Leo War Memorial, at 11AM on Friday November 2nd..

Leo Veterans and Alumni:  Gene Earner leads the singing of God Bless America while Larry Richards of Bugles Across America prepares to sound taps.

God Bless America and all who protect us!

Leo High School Veterans Observance - Friday Nov. 4th at 11 A.M.

The late Bernie Ingersoll ( Leo '43) with Don Hogan ( Leo '45) and Jerry Tourville ( Leo '48) in 2006 at the Veterans Observances.

Leo Veterans Observances

Leo High School site of Veterans Observance on Friday, November 4th, 2011
at@11:00 A.M

Contact - Mr. Pat Hickey -Director of Development (773) 224-9600 ex. 208
When – November 4th 2011 at 11AM
Where – The Courtyard of Leo High School 7901 South Sangamon Street Chicago 60620
What - Leo High School, Leo Alumni Association welcomes all veteran to the Memorial Observance at the Leo War Memorial in the school’s courtyard. , Leo High School Principal Phil Mesina (USAF ret.) r & Vice Principal Frank Wilson (USMC ret.) will direct the observance which features presentations by Veterans, wreath - laying by John Gardner, President of the Alumni Association

Who - Leo High School erected a memorial in 1965 to the many Leo men who have died serving America in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam and the Windy City Veterans of Chicago updated the engraved names and constructed permanent lighting for the memorial. Last year more than two hundred persons joined the 150 Leo students in honoring America’s war fallen.

Leo High School Speakers at War Memorial 11 A.M.

1. Principal Phil Mesina, USAF (ret.) and Vice-Principal Mr. Frank Wilson, USMC (ret.) call to Order

2. Prayer Father William McFarlane Leo '83

3. Leo Alumni President Dan McGrath

4. Color and Honor of the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines – Posting of the Colors -Chicago’s own & Wreathe Laying by Leo Veterans & Purple Heart Veterans.

5. Our National Anthem by Leo Freshman Chris McSmith

6. Leo 2004 Alumnus and Iraq Afghanistan Combat Veteran: Sgt. Jauwan Hall, USMC

7. Taps by Bugles Across America Larry Richards (Leo'60)– Gun Salute and Dismissal & Refreshments in Leo Cafeteria

Join us for this solemn tribute to America's heroes.