Miss Cook County pre-teen honors vets in Hanover Park

Miss Cook County Outstanding Pre-Teen 2011 Arielle Christopher, 12, attended the Veterans Day Celebration held at Hanover Park village hall, 2121 W. Lake St., on Friday, Nov. 11.

Christopher appeared at village hall to pay tribute to the inductees on Hanover Park’s Veterans Honor Roll and to meet all honorees being recognized for service to the village of Hanover Park. She received a warm welcome from the Hanover Park board of trustees and veterans committee.

The celebration was organized by the Hanover Park veterans committee. The committee was formed to promote the values of those who have served their country in the military, to coordinate activities that bring merit to residents who have served their country, and to cooperate with local VFW and other groups who represent the interests of veterans.

The ceremony helped adults and youth to understand that freedom is not always free. Christopher was especially moved when she heard Ann Delort, veterans committee event chairwoman, perform a reading of “America’s White Table” by Margot Theis Raven.

The White Table is set in many halls as a symbol and remembrance to service members fallen, missing, or held captive in the line of duty. Solitary and solemn, it is the table where no one will ever sit.

“I really enjoyed the story because it reminds us to honor the veterans who have risked their lives to protect us,” said Christopher.

Village trustee Rick Roberts, veterans committee chairman, served as emcee for the ceremony. The celebration began with Boy Scout Troop 398 posting the colors, followed by prayer, a greeting, introduction of special guests, a reading of “America’s White Table,” a speech by Oak Park training coordinator Alberto Valasco, presentation of awards and closed with a public social to congratulate all honorees.

Christopher is a representative of the Miss Cook County Scholarship Program. She will travel in her year of service throughout Cook County to serve her community as a goodwill ambassador. Christopher’s platform is to support the needs of children from low-income families through community service.

For information about Miss Cook County Outstanding Pre-Teen 2011, visit www.misscookcounty.org or email: misscookcopt1@yahoo.com.

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