Six Flags provides unlikely - but fun - venue for Memorial Day event

The grinding sounds of metal on metal and the screams coming from a nearby roller coaster were making Rich Martorelli uneasy.

The 37-year-old U.S. Army veteran from Antioch was also feeling fidgety about the hundreds of people milling around him. It reminded him too much of the war front.

"In a crowd like this, you're just waiting for somebody to blow themselves up," he said. "I just can't shake that feeling."

The former sniper and expert in chemical weapons suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder after surviving combat tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Martorelli and other war veterans were among scores honored during a Memorial Day ceremony at loud and busy Six Flags Great America in Gurnee. Nearly 200 vets participated in the 2nd Annual Welcome Home Celebration.

The North Chicago Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the Great Lakes Naval Station staged the event as a way to thank the men and women who have served in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Event organizers say Martorelli is typical of the person they want to honor and help.

VA program manager Michael Konkoly said the day is not only nice but helpful.

"We have an information booth set up and we're giving them pamphlets about all the benefits the hospital offers," Konkoly said. "We would especially like to reach those with PTSD to let them know there is hope."

VA Medical Center Director Patrick Sullivan said his group approached Six Flags last year about hosting the event.

"The main purpose is to say 'Welcome home' to our newest veterans," Sullivan said. "And we thought what better place than an amusement park."

Six Flags donated 200 day passes for veterans and their families. They also offered discounts on tickets for veterans who have served in other wars.

U.S. Army soldier Jason Wilson and his wife, Judith, came down from their home in Milwaukee to attend the event.

"We loved it. What a great tribute," Wilson said. "It's a great tribute to both those who died and those who survived. It was very honorable."

The program was highlighted by speeches, prayers and entertainment in the Hometown Square area of the park.

Somber remarks by U.S. Navy Commander Jon Lundquist were followed by a song and dance routine by Bugs Bunny and his friends.

Some might think Memorial Day and Looney Tunes characters don't jive, but even a jittery Martorelli liked it.

"Memorial Day is such a somber event as it is. I thought having the characters up there dancing made it fun," he said. "This whole thing was better than I expected."

Flags: Park donated 200 day passes for veterans, families