Reflections Framed celebrates its 5th year recognizing military service members
"Reflections Framed 2018," a project that honors military men and women of all generations, announced that proceeds from this annual event will again be donated to the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans.
The "Reflections Framed" project, which began in 2014, honors men and women in Wheaton and the surrounding community that have served or are serving in the U.S. military.
The project has raised approximately $40,000 in support of the Midwest Shelter.
"We have celebrated 250 men and women and their stories since we launched Reflections Framed on Veterans Day four years ago," noted Rick Erickson, "Reflections Framed" founder and Midwest Shelter board member. "The pride that is evident when recipients receive their frames is priceless!"
"Reflections Framed is an important tradition now," added Wheaton Mayor Michael Gresk, a supporter of the project from its inception. "The Midwest Shelter provides invaluable services to our neediest veterans. I encourage everyone to support and attend this truly worthy event."
"Reflections Framed" invites veterans or serving military members with a connection to the Wheaton area to share their service story ("Reflection") by completing an online form and submitting a photo, caption, story, and an optional audio file.
The first 100 "Reflections" submitted will be custom framed, at no charge, by DuPage Framing Center and presented to the participants at a Nov. 11 event.
"Reflections" can be submitted online at www.helpaveteran.org/reflections/ with a deadline of Nov. 1.
Sponsors are welcome.
"It is a distinct privilege, and entirely consistent with our mission, to partner with Wheaton to recognize and honor the men and women who have served and sacrificed for our country" said Tammy Pressley, director of community and government affairs at Northwestern Medicine, a sponsor of the event. "We are proud of what this program says about the Wheaton community and its heart for veterans of all ages."
The "Reflections Framed" event, which will be held at Cantigny Park's Le Jardin restaurant on Sunday, Nov. 11, is free to participants and their families and guests.
The event includes the posting and retiring of the colors; patriotic music by Wheaton College; and the presenting of the "Reflections" by Wheaton College ROTC Cadets.
Doors open at 5 p.m. and the ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. and will end at around 7:30 p.m.
Participants will take their "Reflections Framed" home. While at Cantigny, participants and guests can visit the recently renovated First Division Museum, which will extend its hours to 9 p.m. on the day of the event.
"We're delighted to host this event again at Cantigny," said Paul Herbert, a retired U.S. Army Colonel and director of the First Division Museum. "Colonel McCormick was a soldier, veteran and friend to veterans. He will be with us in spirit and would especially appreciate our support for the Midwest Shelter."
The "Reflections Framed" project received a 2017 Governor's Service Award in Springfield for its positive impact on veterans and their families.
For questions on the project, contact Rick Erickson at rick@bold-steps.com or (630) 414-5706.
The Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans is a nonprofit agency based in DuPage County, Illinois that provides housing, supportive services and community outreach to help homeless and at-risk veterans and their families achieve self-sufficiency.
Founded by veterans in 2007, the Midwest Shelter operates on a vision of no veteran left behind due to homelessness, joblessness, poverty and/or mental-health issues. People interested in making a donation, volunteering or learning more about the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans can visit www.helpaveteran.org or call 630-871-VETS (8387).