‘Everybody sacrifices’: Veterans Day events throughout the suburbs honor those who served
Communities across the suburbs held Veterans Day ceremonies Tuesday to pay tribute to all those who have served in the United States military.
More than a hundred people filled the Centre of Elgin’s Heritage Ballroom for a ceremony hosted by the city and American Legion Post 57.
Mayor David Kaptain noted that while Memorial Day is for those who “gave the ultimate sacrifice,” Veterans Day recognizes the contribution of all who served.
“Everybody sacrifices,” Kaptain said of those who serve. “Many veterans served in roles that were not in combat, but they served a very important role. It’s not all about being at the front and being in combat.”
Kaptain read a proclamation recognizing the contributions of the city’s veterans.
“I encourage all citizens to join in honoring and remembering the courage, dedication and sacrifices of our veterans,” he said. “Together as a community, we pledge that no soldier’s sacrifice will go unrecognized.”
New American Legion Post 57 commander Dennis Beach was overseeing his first Veterans Day event for the organization. He said Veterans Day isn’t just for veterans, but for all Americans.
“It is a day to remember why they performed the duties they did, but also a day for all of us to begin a journey of protecting our freedoms as we know them today, so we can protect the freedoms of the generations of tomorrow,” he said.
In St. Charles, more than 200 people gathered at Fire Station 1 to honor veterans, including World War II veterans Duane Stevenson and Scott Judd.
Stevenson turned 102 on Tuesday.
St. Charles Mayor Clint Hull thanked the veterans for their service. He said he appreciated the sacrifices of those who took the oath and had to leave their parents, husbands, wives, and sometimes children to serve their country.
“When I think about what we're thanking you for, we're thanking you for being willing to make that sacrifice,” he said. “We're thanking you for being ambassadors for our country, and we thank you for your willingness to put it all on the line for us.”
He said that since becoming mayor about six months ago, he’s had multiple opportunities to attend veteran-centered ceremonies and events.
“Each time I've done one of those things in the last six months, I've had a chance to sit down and talk to our veterans, and I walk away in complete awe, just amazed,” Hull said.
In Barrington, about 100 people braved the wind and cold for an outdoor program at Veterans Memorial Park that included speakers and music by the Barrington High School band.
“Veterans Day is a time to recognize the courage, dedication and sacrifice of all those who have served, past and present,” Village President Mike Moran said. “These men and women stood ready to defend our freedoms, often at great personal sacrifice. Their service reminds us that the strength of our nation lies not only in its ideals, but in the steadfast character of those willing to protect it.”
Students at Prairie View Grade School in Elgin were treated to an opportunity to meet World War II U.S. Army veteran Herbert Booth, the 100-year-old grandfather of kindergarten teacher Amy Iwanski.
Booth, who served in the 245th Combat Engineer Company A, spent the morning meeting students and answering questions.
• Daily Herald staff photographers Joe Lewnard and Brian Hill contributed to this report.