West Chicago 5K raising money to place wreaths on veterans' graves
After witnessing a wreath-laying ceremony at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Terry Adams suggested to the VFW Post 6791 Ladies Auxiliary that something similar be done this holiday season in West Chicago.
"Just because these veterans are in small-town cemeteries, why should they be forgotten?" she said.
Taking inspiration from a nationwide effort called Wreaths Across America - which aims to place wreathes on every veteran grave at national cemeteries in December - the group agreed to sponsor a 5K run/walk at 8 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, to raise money to purchase wreaths for all 980 veteran graves in the city.
"We're trying to do it on a local level," Adams said. "Every runner will sponsor a wreath."
Registration is $25 in advance and available at signmeup.com, by searching for "West Chicago" or "Run/Walk for the Wreaths" under "find event." The race will start and finish at Reed-Keppler Park, 201 W. National St., and the course will take participants on the Illinois Prairie Path.
Runners and walkers can register for $30 starting at 7 a.m. the day of the event. The first 100 people to register will receive a T-shirt.
Adams, who serves as president of the auxiliary, said the race lines up with the end of the high school cross-country season. She hopes students will be interested in participating and said the top three runners in eight age groups will receive an award.
Since introducing the idea to people around town, Adams said she has received a lot of support. Businesses are offering to sponsor the cause and several residents already ave written checks.
"The reaction has been good," she said. "A lot of people believe the same thing I do: (the veterans) earned that much. We hope to make this an ongoing event."
The wreaths, which will be wrapped with ribbons crafted by the auxiliary, likely will be placed on the graves Thanksgiving weekend.
Anyone who isn't able to run or walk in the event, but still wants sponsor a wreath, can mail checks to the VFW, 431 Neltnor Blvd. West Chicago, IL 60185.