West Chicago puts out call for veterans for tribute banner display

As Veterans Day approaches, thoughts turn to the men and women of the community who have served so valiantly in various branches of our armed forces.

One West Chicago resident, Judy Knaak, took the time to contact her elected representative, Alderman Christine Dettmann, to suggest a way to honor those, living or deceased, from West Chicago.

During a recent road trip, Knaak passed through a town which had a patriotic display of street banners which featured the faces of its local heroes who served in the military. She brought the idea home and Alderman Dettmann presented it at the Oct. 4 city council meeting.

As a result of this civic engagement, the city will be launching a pilot program this year in the hope that it might collect 12 West Chicago veterans' images to reproduce on banners that will proudly fly on Main Street in time for this year's Veterans Day observance.

The banners will be produced by a local business, Signarama, and feature the picture of the veteran, with his/her name, branch of military, rank, and years of service.

An online submission form at westchicago.org has been established to collect the information and photograph, and the first twelve completed submissions will be accepted for the 2021 display. Any remaining submissions after the first 12 may possibly be added to the display in future years. The deadline for submissions is Friday, Oct. 15.

By submitting a photo, the veteran or family member submitting the photograph on behalf of a deceased veteran, acknowledges and agrees to the terms of the city's standard Photographic Waiver and Hold Harmless Policy which gives the city permission to identify the veteran and use the image for this display and its promotion.

For questions concerning any aspects of the Veterans Tribute Banner Display, please contact Rosemary Mackey at (630) 293-2200, ext. 139.