St. Theresa School in Palatine was proud to host their annual Veterans Day Service at St. Theresa Church on Nov. 10. Together, students, teachers, families and veterans enjoyed this traditional service hosted each year by St. Theresa School.

This year's keynote speaker was Dr. Walter D. Heinlein, DDS. Dr. Heinlein attended Loyola University and later the University of Illinois College of Dentistry. Captain of the US Army, he was commissioned in 1963. Captain Heinlein received his basic training at Fort Sam Houston in 1965. After basic training he was stationed at the Fort Sill Oklahoma Oral Surgery Clinic. While serving in Vietnam, he was attached to the 25th Infantry Division Cu Chi for 6 months as acting oral surgeon and later moved to the 196th Light infantry Brigade at Tay Ninh. He returned to Fort Leonard Wood in May 1967 and was placed in the Army reserve from 1967 - 1969.

Dr. Heinlein continued his career in dentistry as a clinical instructor at the University of Illinois College of Dentistry and later at the Harper College Dental Hygiene Program. He also held a private General Dentistry practice in Glenview, Illinois from 1970 - 2015. Dr. Heinlein has lectured throughout the United States and Canada and has published articles in professional periodicals. Heinlein is the proud grandfather of Dillon, Jaden, Jackson, Matteo and Marco. Marco is a current 8th grade student at St. Theresa School and was honored to introduce his grandfather at the service.

Led by the school's band and music teachers, students in kindergarten through 8th grade sang the Veterans Day Medley, "America the Beautiful," "The Star Spangled Banner" and "The Brave." Refreshments were served after the service by the Parents Association of St. Theresa School. Guests also had the opportunity to meet and take pictures with our honorary guest.