Libertyville neighborhood salutes World War II veteran

Valerie Van Winkle said her Libertyville neighborhood is known to organize block parties each year.

But when neighbor Mary Carter shared that her husband Donald would be coming home from an Honor Flight recognizing his service during World War II, this close-knit neighborhood organized a surprise party to thank him as well.

“We thought this was the perfect time to have a block party and have the neighborhood honor him,” Van Winkle said.

Carter, 86, was welcomed Thursday night with applause, American flags and hugs from neighbors, all there to honor his sacrifice and service to the country.

“It was an enormous amount of sacrifice, all for our great nation. That war was to preserve our way of life,” said resident George Kinsley. “He and all the veterans who served deserve all the accolades that can be thrown upon them.”

Drafted when he turned 18 in January 1943, Carter served in the Army's 4th Division from June 1943 to October 1945. Landing in Normandy two days after D-Day, he served in combat 11 months. He recalls the sacrifice. Over 44,000 from his division died, he said.

Carter, along with 95 veterans, were invited to join an Honor Flight Wednesday to Washington, D.C. Organized by the Honor Flight Network, this non-profit organization recognizes veterans by taking them to visit and reflect at their memorials. Accompanied by volunteers, the veterans visited memorials devoted to World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War and Carter adds, the Air and Space Museum.

Upon their return, the veterans were recognized with a celebration at Midway Airport attended by over 3,000 people.

“It was a great reward. It was unbelievable. It was more than what we deserved. It was memorable,” Carter said.

Back home, neighbors and dignitaries continued the celebration including Lake County Clerk Willard Helander and Mayor Terry Weppler.

“Don is a great asset to the community,” Weppler said. “He has been chairman of our Memorial Day committee, and he has done a lot for our village. We need Don and all of our vets. That is what our country is all about.”

Straying from his party, Carter walked to his home to show a banner neighbors placed on his garage door. It read “We salute you Don Carter. A member of the “great generation” in our hearts and in your hometown.”

“Sometimes you get the impression they don't know. They have forgotten. It does not mean anything,” he said. “Then you find out they do understand. They realize the magnitude.”