In an auditorium that has the words “Dream…Believe…Achieve…” displayed on a wall as a message to all, was also the venue for the City of Highland Park’s annual Memorial Day Observance.
The 11 a.m. May 25 ceremony took place inside Highland Park High School’s air-conditioned auditorium. After the program was a noon barbecue lunch served outside in sunny, warm weather in the school’s inner courtyard.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate a great community and a wonderful country,” Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering said.
The Monday event included a bell ceremony honoring the memory of Highland Park veterans, speeches, performances by the Highland Park High School Band, and the playing of “Taps” by bugle musicians at the conclusion of the ceremony.
Guest speakers offered featured remarks, including Sonja Marie Martin of Highland Park, honoree, staff sergeant, U.S. Army (retired), and U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Ryan M. Dunbar of Highland Park.
Dunbar, a Highland Park resident since last July, has been on active duty in the military for two decades and joined in May 2006. Dunbar said about Highland Park, “The community is wonderful.”
More Top Picks Ticwatch C2
Martin served in the U.S. Army from 1987 to 2008.
Martin, a Highland Park resident since 2011, said before the ceremony, “I really love Highland Park. The people, the area, are really great.
“They really do welcome you in, and we love that about being here.”
About being selected as an honoree speaker, “I’m surprised and very honored, it really is an honor,” Martin said with a smile.
Memorial Day, as a solemn day to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, in Highland Park, perhaps for Martin, is also an occasion as a local reminder to think of those lost on July 4, 2022, due to the Independence Day parade shooting in downtown Highland Park.
“Our community is so resilient,” Martin added. “And that’s one of the other things I really love about Highland Park.
“In the face of adversity, we were able to come together and embrace one another, and just try to do all we can to truly, truly make Highland Park strong,” Martin said.
Linda Iovino of Highland Park, of the Highland Park High School Class of 1970, is a chaplain and was here to represent the American Legion Auxiliary of North Shore American Legion Post #738 of Highland Park, Deerfield, and Highwood.
Iovino’s father, Neil P. Iovino, enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, entering the military in 1939 at age 18, serving until 1948. Neil P. Iovino was a gunnery sergeant.
“He was a prisoner of war in the Philippine islands, he was a member of the Bataan Death March, he was a prisoner of war for three years,” Iovino said of her late father, Neil P. Iovino.
“I have a deep appreciation for the veterans, now serving and the ones who have passed on and gave us freedom,” Linda Iovino said.
“I wish more people would care about this country,” Iovino added. “Because freedom is not free.”
Karie Angell Luc is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.