Naperville Central’s Veteran’s Day assembly was held on Nov. 9. The assembly was keynoted by Dr. Sudip Bose, a Central graduate who was a frontline doctor during the war in Iraq. 

Seniors attended the assembly in person while all other students watched virtually during homeroom class. 

Bose graduated from Central in 1992. He received the Bronze Star and a Combat Medical Badge for his service and recognition for his 15 month tour, one of the longest tours served as a frontline medic since World War II. During his tour of duty, Bose treated Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein after his capture by the United States military.

“I see myself sitting amongst you,” Bose said in his speech. “I was the skinny Indian kid sitting in homeroom. I never saw myself serving.” 

Bose highlighted the idea of service, encouraging students to build an “inner army” to fight through the stress and difficulties they face.

“[I wanted students to understand] your impact will become service,” Bose said. “Everybody serves in some uniform; it might not be a military uniform, but doctors, lawyers [and] businessmen all serve. Service is the great equalizer. ” 

Bose connected his idea of service to students by discussing difficulties he experienced in war while relating them to the difficulties students may face while creating their impact. 

“Sometimes, you wish you had everything in your backpack, but you don’t,” Bose said. “It takes ingenuity to work with limited resources and what you have. If you can find that miracle tourniquet in your backpack, you can change the world.”

Bose also highlighted the importance of recognizing veterans’ struggles as they return from war. 

“Our perception is that it takes so much to help veterans, but it’s the little things—a simple wave and a kind hello—that matter,” Bose said. “Be grateful, remembering the little things matter.”

Other veterans who attended the ceremony and the post-assembly reception agreed with Bose’s sentiment.

“Go to your local VFW [or] American Legion and just ask ‘how can I help?’” Sergeant Devon Moss said. “I guarantee you they’ll find something you [can help with].”

Bose had returned to Central previously to speak at a commencement ceremony as a distinguished alumnus, where he met Nicole Figi, a member of Central’s alumni recognition program. 

“The fact that [Bose] was excited about coming back to Naperville Central speaks volumes to what this community has done for him,” Figi said. 

Bose reflected on how the lessons he learned at Central helped him throughout his time at war.

“This is what my teachers at Central taught me: you have to sweat in peacetime to not bleed in war,” Bose said. “The next time you look up at your problems, remember you have an inner army. Use your imaginary soldiers.” 

C.J. Getting contributed to this story.