On May 25, patriotic spirit was not dampened by rain for the approximately 850 who gathered in the auditorium of Skokie School in Winnetka for the village’s 88th Annual Memorial Day Observance.
The ceremony, originally scheduled to take place on the Village Green, was attended by officers from the United States Coast Guard, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Army.
They were joined by members of the Winnetka Police Department, Winnetka Boy Scouts, neighbors, friends and family to honor the memory of those Winnetka residents who lost their lives while in military service.
Command Master Chief Leon R. Walker, Jr., known for his work with recruits at Naval Service Training Command at Great Lakes, acknowledged that for many this time of year marks the beginning of summer, the end of the school year, the opening of the public pool, and the start of the barbecue season.
But for others Memorial Day represents so much more, Walker said.
“Close your eyes,” he said, “and remember those who did not come home, remember their ultimate sacrifice of serving our nation. They are not strangers; they are our brothers and our sisters.”
Master of ceremonies Albert Day of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary resided over the program, with an invocation by Jack Coladarci of Christ Church in Winnetka, a rifle salute by New Trier VFW Post 4831, memorial color and flag honor guards by Winnetka Boy Scout Troops 18 and 20, and a moving rendition of God Bless America, sung by The Sheridan Singers, under the direction of Oscar Alcantara, and accompanied by the Bill Porter Orchestra.
More Top Picks Sensi Wifi Programmable
The names were read of all Winnetka residents who lost their lives in war, including during the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
Of the caliber of new recruits, Walker said, “Recruits today are of the highest quality, more mature and well-educated, but their success still relies on hard work, dedication, and strong work ethic.”
Gina Grillo is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.