Wilmette residents joined village officials, fire and police representatives, and military veterans on Friday to honor the service of America’s military veterans.
The ceremony, held at downtown Veterans Park, was organized by members of Wilmette’s Peter Huerter American Legion Post 46. Participants laid wreaths at the park to honor veterans.
During the ceremony, an honor guard composed of Wilmette Police Department officers fired a volley to salute United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine and Coast Guard veterans.
Village President Bob Bielinski spoke of the history of Veterans Day, and of the sacrifices military men and women have made on behalf of their country.
Bielinski noted that 2016 marks the 25th anniversary of the end of the Persian Gulf War, also known as Operation Desert Storm.
Bielinski urged listeners to honor military men and women not only on Veterans Day, but throughout the year. That means welcoming veterans home from America’s current conflicts, he said, and providing returned veterans with good medical care, education and training to help them transition into civilian life.
“Business owners honor all veterans when they hire a veteran,” he said. “I’m proud to say that 20 veterans have chosen to continue their lives of public service by working for the village of Wilmette.”
Twitter: @pioneer_kathy