Military stories needed for Wheaton's Veterans Day celebration
A Veterans Day event in Wheaton is being planned for the evening of Nov. 11 in honor of men and women in our community who have served, or are serving, in the U.S. military.
Proceeds from this year's celebration will go to the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans.
The idea for the program, called Reflections Framed, came from conversations among business and community leaders focusing on Wheaton's big heart for those serving in the armed forces.
Originally planned as a photo contest, leaders decided that it would not be a contest, but a celebration, with every entry a winner.
"Reflections Framed - A Celebration of Service, Past and Present" invites individuals with a connection to Wheaton to submit a photograph that depicts someone important to them who has served in, or is currently serving in, the military.
Along with the photo, the submitter will be asked for a caption. Submitters also will be strongly encouraged to provide a simple story or explanation to go along with their entry.
The picture, caption and story/explanation will make up the Reflections Framed submission.
The first 100 Reflections submitted will be framed and presented to the authors at a celebration at Clare Woods Academy on the evening of Nov. 11.
Owner Bob Greene of DuPage Framing Center, which will frame the submissions, said, "I'm excited to provide the framing for the Reflections Framed project. I know this event will make a significant impact in our community and I'm eager to get started."
A number of community partners, including the city, Downtown Wheaton Association, chamber of commerce, park district, public library, the Wheaton Lions Club, the Wheaton Rotary Clubs, Cantigny, Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200, and Bold Steps, Inc. will sponsor the celebration.
Rick Erickson of Bold Steps, Inc. will continue to seek more participants and is spearheading planning meetings for the event.
"The support of the program from our community leaders has been fantastic, which is not surprising," Erickson said.
"Wheaton is rich in its support of those in military service, and I can't wait to see the many Reflections that will come in through this project. I expect a few tears at Clare Woods Academy on Veterans Day evening," he said.
"Reflections Framed is a wonderful way to acknowledge military service, past and present," said Mayor Michael Gresk. "All too often I think we are not fully aware of the dedication to duty and the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform. Reflections Framed will allow all of us to express our profound gratitude."
The fact that proceeds from the Reflections Framed event will go to the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans is good news for Pam Kostecki, executive director of the not-for-profit shelter.
"The Reflections Framed Celebration is another way in which the Wheaton community is wrapping its loving arms around the countless men and women who fought bravely (or are fighting bravely) to serve this nation. Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans is thrilled to be selected as the recipient of the Reflections Framed contributions."
To submit your Reflection, or for more information, visit www.helpaveteran.org/reflections.