CLC celebrates Veterans Day

Veterans Day came a day early for about 75 people who celebrated Thursday at the College of Lake County.

Cmdr. Robert S. Sullivan, the executive officer of Naval Station-Great Lakes, joined CLC President Jerry Weber, and veterans of all ages to honor America’s soldiers during a small ceremony at the Grayslake campus.

Sullivan was the keynote speaker during the 45-minute ceremony, and said servicemen of all the armed forces deserve to be honored every day, not just annually on Nov. 11.

“Veterans Day is the opportunity for us to remember our servicemen officially,” Sullivan said. “This country would not be here today if not for them.”

Veteran Blake Miles, a staff sergeant from the Illinois Army National Guard who served one tour in Iraq and is attending classes at CLC, said serving in the military has given him a sense of honor and respect for the United States.

“The military has truly helped me appreciate America more,” he told the crowd. “While in the military and serving in Iraq, I tasted not having the freedom to do whatever you wanted. When I see the flag, I get a deeper appreciation of this country. “

The ceremony also featured quick speeches from student government President Blake Banovitz, and Ryan Frey, the CLC coordinator of veteran and military personnel and a senior chief from the U.S. Navy from 1989 to 2009.

The ceremony featured the placement of a wreath on the CLC veterans memorial and the playing of Taps for America’s fallen soldiers.

There are 117 veterans on the faculty or staff at CLC, Weber said, a distinction that has led to college being honored as a military-friendly campus in the United States.

“We salute you and give thanks for all you have done for our country,” he said.