City of West Chicago issued the following announcement on May 30.
More than 300 persons, young and old, attended the Community Memorial Day service at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Oakwood Cemetery. The temperature was a little warm, but a gentle breeze provided the perfect setting to honor those who died while serving our country.
The veterans, those currently serving in the armed forces, and members of the Auxiliaries from American Legion Post 300 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6791 stood proudly, while those attending honored both the deceased and living soldiers. Kevin Driscoll was the moderator.
“This day conveys the price in the quest for freedom, 1,354,664 men and women since the Revolutionary War gave up their tomorrows to for us to enjoy the sense of freedom… It is up to us to install into others the true spirit of loyalty for the flag and our country.”
Julia Doggett, chaplain of the American Legion Post 300, gave the opening and closing prayers. Members of the Legion Auxiliary presented the colors. Seven members of the Legion and VFW did the execution of the 21-gun salute.
The West Chicago Community Band, under the direction of James Wallace, played a medley of patriotic songs. Reverberating throughout out the cemetery were the poignant sounds of “Taps,” played by WCCHS trumpeters, Jeri Rethford and Gavin O’Keefe, both juniors.
Mayor Ruben Pineda gave the featured speech. “Today is the day we commemorate those who sacrificed and laid down their lives for our freedom. These are our heroes, who served faithfully…The survivors live with this loss. One is never fully prepared to be a survivor, hearing the fateful knock on the door…God bless them all! ” The full text of the mayor’s speech can be found on the City’s website, www.westchicago.org.
Original source can be found here.
Source: City of West Chicago
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