Veterans Day observances traditionally honor all who have served in the U.S. military. Memorial Day, conversely, is designated as a day of remembrance for those in our military who have died while defending this great nation during time of war.
Grundy County communities will once again gather this coming weekend to honor our veterans.
Here are some of the events scheduled to honor local veterans:
• Coal City – The Coal City Public Library will host a Veterans Day event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 10, at the library.
The event will include a flag ceremony with the VFW and American Legion participating. The event will also have military displays and a World War II re-enactment by the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment.
Contact the library at (815) 634-4552 for more details.
• Morris – The American Legion will host the annual Veterans Day parade and observance on Sunday Nov. 11.
The parade will start from Chapin Park about 10:30 a.m. and end at the Grundy County Courthouse, where the observance will be held at 11 a.m.
The public is welcome to participate in the parade, no registration required, just be at the park by 10:15 a.m.
Some other events in Morris that veterans are invited to attend include:
• Saratoga School will hold a Veterans Day assembly at 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 9, in the Farmer Gym.
• White Oak School is not holding a public event, but the school invited veterans from students’ families to attend activities that each grade will be hosting throughout the week.
• Mazon – The Mazon American Legion will host an observance and meal for area veterans at the Post on Depot Street starting at 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11.
• Joliet — Joliet Junior College will hold its annual Veterans Day memorial ceremony at noon Friday, Nov. 9, on the Main Campus Bridge, 1215 Houbolt Road, Joliet. The public is invited to attend.
The ceremony will include a posting of colors performed by the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad.
All veterans are invited to dress in military uniforms or insignia designating their branch of service.
The ceremony schedule is as follows:
• Welcome, Dr. Valerie Roberson, VP Academic Affairs
• Posting of colors
• Pledge of allegiance
• National anthem, led by choir members
• Moment of silence
• Introduction by Commander Cecilia Seabrook
• Flag folding demonstration
• Echo Taps
• Armed Forces Medley played by G. Richard Deal
• JJC veterans biographies
• “America the Beautiful”, arr. by John Ness Beck and performed by select members JJC Chamber Singers and Chorale, directed by Professor Philip Spencer
There are many businesses offering specials for veterans, one list can be found at http://themilitarywallet.com/veterans-day-free-meals-and-discounts/
There are many offers and we appreciate all of these businesses recognizing and supporting our military and veteran community.
Sometimes all that is needed is a simple ‘thank you’ directed at the veteran or the family member for his or her sacrifice.
For additional information, please contact Ken Buck, Superintendent, at (815) 941-3152.
