College of Lake County honors 'America's quiet heroes' during its 8th annual Memorial Day Ceremony and Service

Community leaders, citizens, veterans and families of those serving in the armed forces were in attendance Friday as College of Lake County hosted its eighth annual Memorial Day Ceremony and Service at the Willow Lakes Memorial in Grayslake.

Chris Miller, Naval Station Great Lakes USO of Illinois director, told the crowd Memorial Day is the opportunity for Americans to come together and pay tribute to those who fought and died defending our country and our freedom.

"Every Memorial Day, America is reminded of those selfless individuals, America's quiet heroes. We also think of America's new generation of defenders protecting the nation's interest in every corner of the globe, preserving our freedoms and our way of life," said Miller, who was the keynote speaker. "They work for a more peaceful and hopeful world."

Miller said Memorial Day is a day to remember the more than 7,000 military members who have died during the nearly 14 years of war since 9/11. Attendees reflected on 27 servicemen with Lake County ties who died while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan during a reading of their names.

Other speakers included CLC President Jerry Weber, Superintendent Veterans Assistance Commission Mike Peck, Illinois Army National Guard's Sgt. First Class Justin M. Gullion, U.S. Navy Nicholas Jeppeson and U.S. Army Col. Paul J. Hettich.

Gold Star family member Joan Neal of Antioch talked about her son, U.S. Army Specialist Wesley Wells, who was killed in action in 2004. Wells' sister, Tiffany Alleghretti of Grayslake, also shared touching words about her brother.

The U.S. Navy participated in a flag-folding demonstration and Color Guard presentation. A Gold Star wreath was placed at the memorial by U.S. Marines PFC Tyler Hess and Sgt. Douglas Gray. The ceremony closed with the U.S. Marine Corps 21-gun salute and the playing of TAPS by bugler and former Navy member Jim Reynolds.