On a cloudy Memorial Day at Lombard Commons, surrounded by Lombard residents gathered to honor American veterans, our village paid homage to all men and women of the armed forces — past and present — who have served the United States of America. With a ceremony dedicated to preserving the memory of those who have fought for our freedom, we stood united as the Glenbard East High School Band played the poignant melody of “America the Beautiful” to begin this formal observance.
With this being the eighth year that our village has painstakingly prepared for this service, I sat there thinking of how each year, something is added to make it as pleasant as possible for the multitude of residents who have gathered to pay their respects. This year, an additional tent was purchased. What struck me were the students in the Glenbard East band that were to play during this ceremony. There prominent red-and-black uniforms grabbed my attention, but their extraordinary gift of musical renditions about our America soothed my soul.
After the welcome by trustee Dick Tross, the invocation was led by the Rev. Dan Wegrzyn of St. John Lutheran Church.
“Today is a day of remembrance. To remember those who have fallen in service to our country, their families and you Lord God — peace. Lord of all creation, you have dignified us with love and loyalties. This blessing we do not take for granted because by their courage and sacrifice, you have defended our borders and allowed us to sleep peacefully at night,” Wegrzyn prayed.
Sally Jungblut and Rhett Richards sang our national anthem, and it was beautiful. This was followed by Eagle Scout Paul Kaefer from Troop 202, who led us in the pledge of allegiance.
Scott Brusak, a Glenbard East senior, eloquently stated his feelings in an essay he wrote about the people who have given their lives to keep us free. It was quite moving to see such a young man able to express himself so clearly.
Keynote speaker Dean Corn belonged to the U.S. Air Force from 1970 to 1974, serving in Vietnam from 1972 to 1973. He earned the good conduct medal and two bronze stars.
“I did what 3 million other men and women did. I followed orders and did my job. I enlisted in the military because that was what was expected,” he said.
He went on to explain how his father was in the military, and many men on the block he lived on were veterans — he just followed in their footsteps. Although he made us laugh, his speech brought us the reality of what an individual goes through during war.
Boy Scout Ben Pelz from Glenbard East High School, representing Lombard Troop 51, took the stand to let us know about a project he has taken on that will elevate him to Eagle Scout. His goal is to enhance the memorial in Lombard Commons, which now is a 5-foot rock, with the names of all Lombard residents who have died that served in the armed forces. Ben wants to add five flag poles that represent each branch of the military, as well as benches, landscape and lighting. He needs $8,000 to complete this project. He is selling 3x5 nylon flags for a minimum $10 donation through his Web site. He can be reached by calling (630) 620-7404, e-mailing at BSATroop51@yahoo.com or visiting www.freewebs.com/vetmemorialproject/. He also is accepting and hoping for straight monetary donations for this worthwhile cause.
One person I missed during this ceremony was our village president, William “Bill” Mueller. Unfortunately he was not there because of his recent diagnosis of multiple myeloma, a form of cancer, and currently he is undergoing chemotherapy treatments. Mueller, being a veteran himself, always brings a reverence to this ceremony, which I am looking forward to experiencing again next year after he recuperates. I am sure I speak for our whole community in saying we wish him well with a speedy recovery.
Besides honoring veterans in general, this program allows us to honor the veterans attending the ceremony. The Armed Forces Medley was performed by the Glenbard East Band to pay tribute to all of the veterans present. When the song is played, veterans are asked to stand for the portion of the song that represents the branch of the armed forces for which they veteran served. As they stood, we applauded and were given that short time to show our appreciation.
As the ceremony ended, the band played the uplifting song of “Stars and Stripes Forever.” I left grateful to all of the people who put this program together. It reminded me to whom I owe my freedom. It’s not the politicians. It’s not the corporations. It is the men and women who sign on the dotted line that they are willing to give their life to uphold the freedom of the people of the United States of America. I am humbled, and I am thankful. The words “freedom is not free” hit home.
