A 'slap in the face': Constituent challenges omission of Veterans Day on Glen Ellyn Library calendar

A local resident asks why Glen Ellyn Library is not commemorating Veterans Day.

Juanita Margetts said she poured over the calendar and found that has been the norm in recent years.

“I'm not sure why they're not supporting Veterans Day by not even putting it on their calendar. I'd like to hear their response, like what ... the Glen Ellyn Library has to say about it. I don't show anything on the 2020 calendar as well.”

Margetts is a Glen Ellyn native who raised her family in the area and an assistant precinct committeeman.

The DuPage Policy Journal reported that Glen Ellyn Library was commemorating a number of other holidays such as Kwanzaa, Dwali and Gay Pride but overlooked Veterans Day, set for Nov. 11.

“To not even acknowledge Veterans Day on the calendar, I feel, is a slap in the face to those who have served,” she said. “And so what I want people to know is that your vote counts every election on every single level is important. Local elections shape our communities and affect our tactics. People need to get informed and get involved.”

Veterans Day was first established as Armistice Day in 1919 in commemoration of World War I soldiers. In 1954 the name was changed to Veterans Day to incorporate all veterans.

According to Margetts it is difficult to overstate the importance of the holiday.

“Veterans Day is a federal holiday. Government employees get this day off,” she said. “That's how important it is. It's honoring those who serve our country and it's the country we have, the privilege of living in. Our public library is missing an opportunity to provide activities, and they can be COVID friendly, to promote unity and appreciation to our veterans.”

The library has been under scrutiny since it contracted with Reesheda Graham-Washington, who alleged a hate crime.

Democrats hold a majority on the Glen Ellyn Public Library Board of Trustees. Democrats Molly Knapke, Erin Micklo, Tim Brinker and Susan Stott and Republicans Karen Volk, Molly Hoerster and Maryanne Deaton comprise the board.