By Pat Loeb

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A group of local business leaders held a dinner at the Union League, last night, to celebrate high school seniors who have decided to join the military after graduation.

Joseph Nicoletti has known he wanted to join the military since he was 8-years-old.

“September 11, 2001 really kind of hit me like a shocker that someone would actually have the guts to attack such a wonderful nation.”

So three weeks after he walks in the Neshaminy High School commencement, he is off to Fort Benning, Georgia for basic training to be a cavalry scout.

Businessman Ken Wong says, normally, his classmates headed for prestigious colleges get all the honors, so Wong organized this dinner for Nicoletti and others like him.

“The decision to serve their nation in uniform is a really important decision and we really want to recognize it, say thank you.”

About 100 seniors attended the dinner, with their parents.

Jackie Nicoletti beamed at her son. “We’re very proud of him. I know he’ll do very well there. I’m going to miss him terribly.”