104-year-old veteran from Grayslake honored in Schaumburg

Chester Grzybowski, a 104-year-old World War II veteran from Grayslake, was a special guest at the combined Hoffman Estates/Schaumburg Memorial Day observance Monday morning.

Grzybowski, who served in the South Pacific, took part in the second half of this observance held at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Schaumburg.

The villages of Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates, along with the local American Legion and VFW posts, presented Grzybowski with certificates of appreciation and a plaque thanking him for his service.

He also received a cake to celebrate his upcoming 105th birthday.

Grzybowski said he enjoyed the ceremony, adding that he particularly loves sweets.

"It was beautiful," he said. "I was nervous and excited."

The combined observance began at the Veterans Memorial outside the Hoffman Estates Police Department before proceeding to St. Peter Lutheran Church and cemetery in Schaumburg. A picnic followed in the church's grove, as well as tours of its restored one-room schoolhouse.