Honoring those who stand ready to defend their country
Mike Barbour has seen war firsthand, so he knows threats to our country's freedom may always exist.
"But more importantly," says the Naperville veteran, "there will always be those who stand ready to defend it."
Communities across DuPage County held Veterans Day observances Tuesday to honor those who have served. With flags waving mightily behind them, more than 75 veterans stood shoulder-to-shoulder in Naperville's Veteran's Park representing every conflict from World War II to the war in Iraq.
They were joined by dozens of residents there to show their support during a ceremony that also included a performance by the Naperville Municipal Band, a rifle salute and the playing of taps.
Veterans "will tell you they are not heroes, but like all of you here today they are true patriots who believe in freedom and justice for all," said Jim Godshall, commander of American Legion Post 43.
Godshall gave a history of the day, which originally commemorated the armistice between the Allies and Germany to end World War I at 11 a.m. Nov. 11, 1918. In 1954, Congress changed the holiday to one that honors veterans of all conflicts.
"Another generation has stepped up to preserve and defend our freedoms," said Charlie Vladika, commander of the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873. "Let us pause and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Keep them and all who have served in our prayers. We veterans will never forget."
Throughout the morning, veterans also visited area schools, including Kennedy Junior High in Lisle.
"Our service members have emancipated nations, lifted the cloaks of oppression and tyranny," said Barbour, a member of the Judd Kendall VFW post. "They have vanquished cruelty and broken the cloaks of oppression and desperation. They have brought faith, hope and liberty to millions of people around the world."
Principal Don Perry unveiled a plaque the school will hang in honor of Marine Lance Cpl. Tony Mihalo, 23, who died in August in Afghanistan during his third tour of duty.
Mihalo was a 2004 Naperville North High School graduate. His sister, Christine Wolfe, is currently a student at Kennedy and sister Barbara Wolfe is a recent Kennedy graduate.
Mihalo's father, Bill Wolfe, later called the plaque an "incredible honor" and said students eventually will have to make their own decisions about service.
"I hope they do it with the understanding of how much it means to the nation," he said.
In the meantime, students are able to help by raising money for veterans' causes. Kennedy presented Barbour with a check for more than $300 the school raised from poppy sales.
"They've given countless days of loyalty to ensure the safety of pure strangers. Now that's a hero," said eighth-grader Jodi Nemethy. "For the veterans who have served, we thank you. For the ones who are and were wounded, we thank you. But mostly for the veterans who gave their lives, God bless you and all of America."
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