While covering stories for my column, I have come to look forward to the ceremonies our village offers to honor their citizens, which have richly rewarded me and become an annual tradition in my life.

The United States flag flies high in Lombard and I thank God every day that I have the freedom to report about our daily lives. The privilege of being able to pay respect and tribute to people throughout our community who have given us their time and talent in many aspects is one of the reasons I live in this town.

On Nov. 11, Veterans Day, Lombard’s traditional veterans ceremony was held at the Volunteer Plaza at Main Street and St. Charles Road. Our Village President Bill Mueller welcomed us and introduced Sacred Heart Church Deacon William Crane to give us the invocation.

“As we gather here in humble recognition of your divine providence, we beseech you to usher into our world of confusion and doubt, peace and tranquility, which alone you can give. Bless and protect our nation, be merciful to our honored dead,” Crane prayed.

Keynote speaker retired colonel of the U.S. Air Force Richard “Mike” Mikulecky, who was also senior of the year, gave us his thoughts on how important it is to remember the people who have given their time and life for our freedom.

First off he thanked the Girl, Cub and Boy scouts for putting American flags on the graves of veterans in our community.

He also explained that there is a difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day is to honor the men and women who died in service of their country. Veterans Day is for all men and women who have served in the armed forces.

The poem that he recited from an unknown author was what put the day in perspective for me.

It is the veteran, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion.
It is the veteran, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the veteran, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the veteran, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble.
It is the veteran, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a free trial.
It is the veteran, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote.
It is the veteran that salutes the flag and serves under the flag.

Citizens of Lombard, including many young students, American Legion Post 391 and Veteran of Foreign Wars Lilac Post 5815, Lombard Fire and Police departments and representatives of our village, were on hand to give their support and honor our veterans.

As I look out my front window every morning and evening, I am always struck by my neighbors Terry and Danette Grider’s front porch with its spotlighted American flag waving in the air. Their two children enlisted in the Army and have been serving our country for a number of years. They put that flag up when their son left for Iraq. They were going to take it down when he came home and then, when he did, decided to leave it up until all of the soldiers are home.

I personally hope they never take it down. It is a daily reminder for me that their children, who once played in front of my house, are now adults protecting the lives of my family and this nation. It is a daily reminder to me that freedom isn’t free. I am thankful to every man and woman who is serving in the armed forces to keep us free, and I pray for their safe return.