Honoring those who sacrificed all

Memorial Day brought parades and ceremonies, applause, salutes and the simple message of “thank you” to veterans in communities across the suburbs as people remembered members of the military, especially those who died in service.

Reverent and respectful, the day was a blend of upbeat Americana and solemn ceremony as towns rallied around veterans in gestures of honor.

Speeches and remembrances included local, regional and national politicians, with U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk, a veteran Navy Reserve officer, participating in the Arlington Heights observance.

With 21-gun salutes and renditions of taps, wiping of tears and waving of flags, Memorial Day observances made one thing certain: the fallen are not forgotten.