Doug Babitzke of Burr Ridge goes into area classrooms and talks to youths about his time serving in the Army during World War II.
“It puts a face on it,” Babitzke said. “I talk to the kids and their history lessons become more than just dates. I share with them my experiences.”
Babitzke, 89, who received the Bronze Star as a member of the 21st Infantry Division serving in the South Pacific, said it is important that children hear the stories of sacrifice and courage from war veterans.
“It’s been a lot of years since World War II,” Babitzke said. “They can’t relate. But when you talk to the kids, they understand.”
The efforts of Babitzke and others who have served our country through military service were recognized Saturday as Burr Ridge conducted its annual Armed Forces Day celebration.
Mayor Mickey Straub said educating young people about the service of military personnel is vital.
“We need to do a better job in letting the efforts of earlier generations be known to our young people,” Straub said.
World War II Army veteran Irv Abramson of Skokie attended. He also goes to schools, in uniform, to talk about war time.
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“It is a big thing. Kids are very alert when I talk about things back in the day,” said Abramson, also 89, the recipient of a Purple Heart medal. “I come in my uniform with pictures; and history comes alive for them.
“They can relate. It is not like you are talking about George Washington. They get to hear people talking to them about their experiences. Kids love us.”
Abramson is a volunteer with Honor Flight Chicago, an organization that flies World War II servicemen and women to the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. He said he wanted to attend the event to support guest speaker Mary Pettinato of Honor Flight Chicago, who spoke about the benefits of the program.
Babitzke was a recipient of an Honor Flight trip.
“It was really amazing,” Babitzke said. “It was very moving.”
Abramson and Babitzke both said they are happy to still be active in military-related activities.
“There are a lot of guys not as lucky as we are,” Abramson said. “There are guys who can’t stand up vertical. There are so many in VA hospitals.”
Ben Rydecki was one of two Marmion Academy students who performed “Taps” during the event.
“I am probably never going to see combat or serve in the armed forces, so that is my small contribution to our country,” said Rydecki, who has also played “Taps” at the Moving Vietnam Wall.
Singing the “Star Spangled Banner” at the event were Morgan and Alana Peters, granddaughter of John Curin, a member of the Burr Ridge Veterans Memorial Committee.
Leading the Pledge of Allegiance were Pleasantdale School fourth-graders Paige and Zachary Petrovich, who had three grandparents serve in the U.S. military, two in the Army and one in the Marines.
Burr Ridge officials will lay a wreath at the village’s Veterans Memorial at 8 a.m. Monday.
Kevin Beese is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.