Honor veterans with programs and donation drives
The American Legion Post 690 is holding a Veterans Day program Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Veterans Memorial at Community Park on Wood Street and Northwest Highway in Palatine. The observance will start at 11 a.m.
Speakers will include Erica Bartnicki, president of the American Legion Auxiliary, Palatine Post 690; Tom Seick, commander of the Sons of the American Legion Squadron, Palatine Post 690; and Paul Clausell, commander of the American Legion Palatine Post 690.
The Legion color guard will participate. The ceremony will also mark the return of the post's cannon, which has been a fixture out front for years.
"The cannon has been renovated over the last few months," Clausell said. "We are looking forward to it taking its former place of honor in front of our American Legion post. The cannon will be at the Veterans Memorial, along with a number of old military vehicles, and then after the ceremony returned to its former location in front of the American Legion.
"Please join us for our annual Veterans Day commemoration," Clausell said. "This is an opportunity to commemorate the service of all veterans of all wars. We will remember how men and women set aside their civilian pursuits to serve their nation's cause, defend the freedom of mankind and preserve our precious American heritage. During our program, please maintain social distancing and wear a mask."
For more information on the American Legion, Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of the American Legion, any of their sponsored events or for membership, write to their respective organizations at 122 W. Palatine Road, Palatine, IL 60067; call (847) 359-1606; or visit www.alpost690.us.
In Arlington Heights: Luther Village will hold a Veterans Day car parade at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 800 W. Oakton St., Arlington Heights. A "Parade Car" will lead the parade past a reviewing stand (on Village Drive) and past veterans at Luther Village. The Parade Car will lead the parade through the center of the complex and around the perimeter to the final point, where each will receive a gift bag in thanks for their participation. Lineup starts at 9:30 a.m. For details or to participate, email Linda Smith, linda.smith@lulife.org.
Collection for homeless vets: The Palatine American Legion Post 690 is collecting household items for veterans who are exiting homelessness as part of a program for Military Outreach USA from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily through Thursday, Nov. 12, at the post, 122 W. Palatine Road, Palatine.
The veterans who are supported in this program are moving into their first apartment or home after being homeless. Typically, these veterans will move into an empty space, so they will need everything from kitchen items and cleaning supplies to linens and toiletries.
The Legion will be collecting new personal hygiene items, everything for the bathroom and miscellaneous items such as smoke detectors, light bulbs as well as laundry baskets and detergent.
Other collection sites in Palatine include:
• Through Monday, Nov. 9: St. Theresa Church, 455 N. Benton St., rear parking lot
• Saturday, Nov. 14: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 1201 E. Anderson Drive, church parking lot
• Through Monday, Nov. 16: 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Palatine Township offices, 721 S. Quentin Road, south entrance.