Lindenhurst honors service at Veterans Day ceremony
More than 200 veterans, military personnel, students and appreciative citizens surrounded the Lindenhurst Veterans Memorial on Wednesday to give thanks to those who've served their country.
U.S. Army Reserve Maj. Christopher Hillmann, who marks 20 years in the military next February, served as the keynote speaker at the community's annual Veterans Day event, telling the crowd that service is a part of a veteran's DNA.
"Veterans have written a check to the U.S. Constitution and the people of the United States for up to and including their lives with no reservations," he said. "That is what a veteran is."
The mission to serve rarely ends when a veteran's uniform comes off, he said.
"With few exceptions you will find these veterans tied closely with service in one form or another," Hillman said. "You will see them in the schools, in their communities and in the churches."
The Lindenhurst-Grayslake Police Explorers Post 2008 Color Guard opened the ceremony with Presentation of Colors and the Lakes Community High School wind ensemble provided Wednesday's music. Lindenhurst queens Jessica Schirato, Megan Eppel and Maya Panock handed out flags and programs.
Lindenhurst Veterans Memorial Commission Chairman Paul Baumunk officiated the event, with speakers Paula Carballido, director of the Lake County Honor Flight, and Julie Tevenan, with the Capt. James A Lovell Federal Health Care Center, giving an overview of services available through their organizations.
Members of the Lake County Detachment 801 of the Marine Corps League provided the rifle salute.