Veterans Day in Lake County

Roughly 100 people braved the cold weather in Fox Lake on Friday to honor those who served in the armed services.

It was a scene repeated across Lake County as residents, military personnel and local officials paid tribute to the troops — past and present — during Veterans Day ceremonies and parades.

In Fox Lake, American Legion Post 703 Commander Noel Working led the 45-minute tribute at the downtown Metra Train Station.

“Our debt to the veterans can never be repaid, so we must always remember the service they gave to the country,” Working said. “It’s always an honor to be a part of this service to the veterans of Fox Lake.”

The ceremony featured speeches by Working and village Trustee Donnie Schmit, along with a 21-gun salute in honor of the vets. The ceremony concluded with an emotional rendition of Taps that brought some tears to the eyes of people in attendance.

Schmit told listeners he is honored to be the father of two veterans, the son of a veteran, and the father-in-law to a veteran.

“I have always taught my children they live in the greatest country in the world,” he said. “We owe a debt of gratitude to the veterans who served and are standing here today.”

Similar Veterans Day events took place Friday in other Lake County communities, including Lindenhurst, Libertyville, and Waukegan.

In Lindenhurst, the Lakes Community High School Marching Band and a Boy Scout Troop Color Guard participated in the event, where Army Maj. General (retired) James H. Mukoyama was the keynote speaker.

U.S. Congressman Robert Dold was the guest speaker of a private ceremony held for residents of Winchester House in Libertyville, officials said.

And, Waukegan staged its annual Veterans Day Parade at Grand Avenue and Genesee Street.