Pearl Harbor veterans to be honored Monday in Des Plaines
Fewer and fewer Pearl Harbor survivors remain with us, underscoring the importance of Monday's ceremony in Des Plaines to honor them and others who were under attack on Dec. 7, 1941, organizers say.
Brothers Eric "Rick" and Bob Miller, whose father Clarence was at Pearl Harbor, and Des Plaines VFW Post 2992 are organizing the remembrance ceremony, scheduled for 2 p.m. at Prairie Lakes Theater, 515 E. Thacker St.
Pearl Harbor survivor Joe Triolo of Waukegan is expected to attend, and Ed Block of Countryside may also attend if he is able, said Rick Miller, a member of the Sons & Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors group.
Lyle Hancock of Wheeling, a regular attendee of the annual ceremony, died in July.
The public ceremony had been held the last three years at the Oakton Arms retirement center in Des Plaines, but this year it is being moved to the larger 300-seat Prairie Lakes Theater. The Millers previously participated in commemoration ceremonies at Navy Pier, hosted by the city of Chicago, until those were discontinued.
This year's ceremony includes a performance by the Navy Band's Brass Ambassadors, a 3-volley salute, and wreath presentation. A Pearl Harbor display area, featuring museum quality models, will be open for viewing after the ceremony.