The Games of the XXIX Olympiad have begun. In Beijing, the race is on for the largest collection of gold medals.

During ancient times, the goal of the Olympics was for athlete/warriors to defend the reputation of their city state. The week-long competition featured running the length of the Olympic stadium, jumping, throwing a spear, a discus and then wrestling. The winner received a laurel of olive leaves. During competition week, the warring Greek city states enjoyed a peaceful truce.

A lot has changed since the seventh century B.C.Today’s Olympics in Beijing include 10,500 athletes from around the world. The pentathlon events have changed. Today’s warriors must excel in shooting, fencing, swimming, equestrian events and a 3,000-meter run. The events occur in one day. The winner receives a gold medal. The world doesn’t enjoy a peaceful truce.

The reality of war recently touched the lives of Roselle residents. On Aug. 1, members of Bloomingdale VFW Post 7539 served as color guard for a memorial ceremony at the Roselle Library for Army Staff Sgt. Paul M. Latourney, 28, of Roselle, who died March 2, 2007, in Baghdad.

Latourney was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle while on combat patrol.

The solemn ceremony at the library featured Illinois Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn and Roselle Mayor Gayle Smolinski.

“The lieutenant governor gave a very nice remembrance,” said VFW member Bill Bahr of Bloomingdale. “And Sgt. Latourney’s mother also gave a short but powerfully touching farewell.”

Latourney was a class of 1997 Lake Park High School graduate. He was an honor roll student who belonged to the ski club, the cross country team and the German club. He was fluent in English, German, Spanish and French.

He was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va.

Honors also belong to surviving veterans of America’s military services. On Sunday, Aug. 17, members of Roselle’s American Legion Auxiliary 1084 plan to honor wounded warriors who reside at Hines Veterans Hospital in North Chicago.

The auxiliary will host its 7th Annual Barbeque-Bingo-Lunch. Members of the post, the Sons of the American Legion, the Roselle Lions Club and the Schaumburg-Elk Grove Elks have all volunteered to help the auxiliary provide a festive afternoon for the hospitalized vets.

If you would like to add to the celebration, please consider donating paperback novels, videotapes, DVD movies, crossword puzzle magazine, T-shirts or baseball caps for the veterans. Items can be dropped off at the American Legion, 344 Maple Ave., Roselle. For information, call (630) 894-8524.