Streamwood VFW hosting concert Saturday in Hanover Park

Residents of the Streamwood and Hanover Park area will have a chance Saturday to meet veterans and enjoy live music from the 1960s during VFW Post 5151’s annual Veterans Day event.

About 20 veterans from the blind unit at Hines VA Hospital and parents staying at the hospital’s Fisher House — which is set up for families of patients receiving medical care — will be special guests at this year’s event, said Phil Jelen, service officer for Post 5151.

“We want (attendees) to actually see the veterans of the hospital and shake the hands of the mothers of the sons who are being treated right now, who lost an arm or a leg,” Jelen said, adding that the event will be a good opportunity to personally thank veterans for their service and sacrifices.

The event, which has a theme this year of “Drive-In Diner Music,” runs from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Hanover Park Community Center, 1919 Walnut Ave. in Hanover Park. The cost is $10 per person or $15 per couple.

Joe Cantafio, president of a proposed National Veterans Museum in Hoffman Estates, will be the master of ceremonies. Performers include Thadeus Project, 40 Days Band and guitarist Jonathan Hart. The St. Hubert’s school band will also play military and patriotic songs.

Hot dogs, chips and beverages will be available for purchase. There will also be a silent auction with prizes like a football and baseballs autographed by players on Chicago sports teams.

“It’s veterans helping veterans,” said Fred Hossfeld, chairman of the post’s activities planning committee. “It will be a lot of fun.”

Money from the event will go toward the post to help veterans and their families, Hossfeld said. It will also help fund projects like Operation Airlift, which sends care packages to troops overseas.