As the sun set on Veterans Park Thursday evening, residents, city officials, and veterans gathered to honor the strength, dedication, and sacrifices of those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
The annual Hickory Hills ceremony, held in celebration of Veterans Day week, paid tribute to veterans and the values they fought to protect.
The event, located near City Hall, began at 6 p.m. with a presentation of colors by the American Legion Palos Memorial Post 1993 and the Hickory Hills Police Department.
Mayor Mike Howley addressed the crowd, reminding attendees that veterans’ sacrifices deserve to be honored year-round. “Their bravery and dedication are recognized daily,” he said, emphasizing the city’s commitment to celebrating veterans and their ongoing contributions to freedom and peace.
Police Chaplain Father Joseph Mol followed with a moving prayer, recognizing the selfless contributions of veterans and offering blessings on their behalf. “We pray you will bless them, Lord, for their selfless service to preserve our freedom, our safety, and our country’s heritage for all of us,” he said. After a pause, he continued, “In respecting them, we thank them, we honor them, we are proud of them, and we pray you watch over these special people with protection and happiness.”
Local veteran Jim Kruse then laid a ceremonial wreath to honor fallen service members, sharing his thoughts on the lasting spirit of American service. In addition to his own service, Kruse volunteers with Kruse’s Krew, an organization that collects donations of nonperishable items for Army and Marine platoons in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Reflecting on the sacrifices of America’s earliest patriots, he said, “It’s easy to talk about something when you believe in what you’re talking about.” Kruse continued, “It is often said that America was founded by a group of Founding Fathers who wrote a stirring and historical document, the Declaration of Independence. Well, the country was truly founded by men and women who fought and died on fields, in forests, on hills, across rivers—retreating when beaten but never defeated.”
Kruse expressed the strong bond veterans share and the pride they hold in their service. “The men and women who have answered the call of their country since then feel the same way,” he said. “We served with honor, and we deserve the respect of our country and the people we defended. I, for one, am proud that I am a veteran, as I am sure all of you who wore the colors are too. We are a band of brothers and sisters.”
In a final salute, rounds were fired by the police department in honor of veterans, led by Commander Terry Cornell of American Legion Post 1993, echoing the evening’s sentiments of remembrance and gratitude.