By Karen Haave
Disappointing weather put a damper on the Wreaths Across America ceremony in Monee on Saturday morning, but nothing would prevent the annual remembrance of the community’s military heroes.
Christi Holston, president of the Monee Historical Society and the St. Paul Cemetery, where the ceremony took place, gave the opening remarks.
“Welcome and, again, thank you all for joining us here today,” she said.
“This year, across the country at more than 2,700 participating locations like this one, there are millions of Americans gathering as one nation to ‘Remember, Honor and Teach’. We are all proud to be Americans who live in a free society made up of people from all countries, religions, and walks of life. The freedoms we enjoy today have come at a heavy cost. Lying here before us and in cemeteries throughout this nation are men and women who gave their lives so that we can live in freedom.
“We shall remember their sacrifice.
“Today, we reflect on our nation’s veterans and active-duty service members who fight to protect the liberty we often take for granted. Would all of the servicemen and women and veterans with us here today step forward and be recognized. We honor you and your families for the sacrifices you have made to keep our country safe,” she concluded.
“Today, we show a united front of gratitude and respect across the United States of America as we REMEMBER the Fallen, HONOR those who serve and their families, and TEACH the next generation the value of freedom.”
Rachel White, representing the Sauk Trail Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, explained the esteemed organization’s role in Wreaths Across America.
“The Daughters of the American Revolution is a nonpolitical volunteer women’s service organization, founded in 1890 and dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, securing America’s future through education,” she said.
“We of the Sauk Trail Chapter are proud to sponsor the WAA program here at St Paul’s. We also co-sponsor St Paul’s initiative to ensure every veteran has a monument. You may view the newly placed military markers for Civil War Veterans Phillip Bohlander, Francis La Fayette and Jacob Gloor.”
Placing Ceremonial Wreaths representing each branch of the U.S. Military followed.
Placing a wreath for the Army was David Holston, whose father was a twice-wounded veteran of Korea in the Big Red1 division; for the Marines was Sergio Sanchez, Marine Veteran; for the Navy was George Helwich, Youth Civil War Re-enactors – 100th Illinois Infantry; for the Air Force was Davis Gregory Air Force Veteran; for the Coast Guard was Janice Corbett, DAR member; for the Merchant Marines and Space Force were Cub Scout Colt Battermann and Cub Scout Pack Leader Keith Battermann; and for Prisoners of War was Thomas White, Community Justice Advocate.
Sheila Langenfeld, Chaplain for the American Legion Post 1200 Auxiliary in Monee, offered the Invocation.
“This morning reflects the dedication that so many gave of themselves in the service of our country. As veterans, you may not be actively serving, but what you gave of yourselves will always be remembered and felt in the fabric of all our lives,” she said.
“With that, I can only say, in great humility, that words cannot fully express the deepest gratitude for your service. Thank you so very much for what you have done and what you have given in the service of our country.
“The following is taken from an invocation that was first delivered on December 14, 2013, by Chaplain Ann M. Wolf,” Langenfeld continued.
“Lord, we thank you for the opportunity to assemble together, on this sacred ground and in this dedicated place. We ask You to help us accomplish three things in this hour and all throughout the year, as defined by ‘Wreaths Across America’.
“First, to ‘Remember’ the Fallen. Second, to ‘Honor’ those that serve and their families. And finally, by our example today and every day, to ‘Teach’ our young, as well as our communities, the value and price of freedom.
“Lead us and guide us Lord; give us deep and abiding love for You, and for our country, which You entrusted to us, to be and remain ‘A city on a Hill,’ a beacon of light extending across the world with a message of hope and liberty as we the citizens, learn to live worthy of the gift of freedom, in thought, word, and deed.
“Give us continued courage Lord; let Your light in our hearts never extinguish or flicker down, because so much rests on recognizing You as we maintain liberty. The gift of freedom is golden but its loss would be darkness, bringing despair beyond description.
“And finally, to accomplish Your will most efficiently Lord, help us grow in love for each other, in patience, and endurance. Help us hold to our faith in You, and know what is possible by Your mercy and by Your grace.
“Father, be with us as we move forward to fulfill Your will today as Your people, as American people, this day and every day, with all our soul, with all our heart, and with all our strength while we yet have breath.
“God Bless and Keep America. Amen”
In her closing remarks, Christi Holston said, “We encourage everyone present visit some of the graves of our service men and women, lay one of the Ceremonial Wreaths, say aloud their name, and take a moment to thank them for their service to our country.
“It is said that no one is truly forgotten as long as their name is still heard. This small act will keep the memory of our veterans and their service alive.
“We are here to remember, not their deaths, but their lives. Each wreath is a gift of appreciation from a grateful America to those who have served and are serving in the armed forces and to their families who endure sacrifices every day on our behalf, as a nation standing together to honor their service.”
The Crete-Monee High School ROTC Color Guard presented the Colors for the Pledge to the Flag.
