Palatine area launches efforts to support troops

From an uplifting rock concert to a more solemn symbol military families will proudly display, the Palatine area is home to a couple of new initiatives aimed at supporting troops and their loved ones.

First, volunteers have rallied to put on the first — and hopefully annual — Wounded Warrior Rockfest at Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine, on Memorial Day.

Five bands will headline an afternoon show from 2 to 5:30 p.m., followed a second show featuring four bands from 6 to 10 p.m.

Tickets are $8 to $15 and money raised benefits the Wounded Warrior Project, a national nonprofit organization that supports injured soldiers.

Tenth District U.S. Rep. Robert Dold, 8th District U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh and Palatine Mayor Jim Schwantz are scheduled to briefly speak during the event at 2, 3:30 and 5 p.m., respectively.

“It's amazing how many people are passionate about helping support a cause that's greater than ourselves,” volunteer Jen Chartier said.

A second initiative officials hope will serve as a model for other communities is Palatine Township's new Blue Star Banner program, aimed at honoring families of active military personnel.

Eligible relatives who live in the township and sign up will be honored beginning at the township's Monday, June 27 board meeting and receive a special banner and resolution. The recipient's respective mayor also will be invited to attend the presentation.

The banners, which feature a blue star with a white background and red border, are meant to be displayed in the family's window to let the community know someone close to them is serving.

“There are people serving our country but many times we don't know about them,” Palatine Township Clerk Lisa Moran said. “We need to remember there's a war going on and that people are sacrificing.”

Moran based the township's program on a similar one in the village of Romeoville, and hopes other communities will follow. She met with Elgin resident Joyce Carrasco, the director of the local Blue Star Mothers group, to get advice and help draft the resolution.

The cost of the banners is being footed by the First United Methodist Church in Palatine, led by the Rev. Michael Morris, who has a son in the military.

For more information, visit woundedwarriorrockfest.com and palatinetownship.com/blue-star-banner.