DuPage County Honors Veterans

West Chicago Mayor Michael Kwasman to be Featured Speaker

Sunday, November 4, 2007

2:00 p.m.

DuPage Convalescent Center

400 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, Illinois

West Chicago, Illinois: November 1, 2007 – West Chicago Mayor Michael Kwasman will be the featured speaker at an upcoming Veteran’s Day Observance to be held on Sunday, November 4, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at the DuPage Convalescent Center at 400 N. County Farm Road in Wheaton, Illinois. The public is welcome, and encouraged, to attend.

According to Terry Owens, President of the DuPage County Veterans Memorial, Inc., the event, which is normally held at the Memorial site on the County’s campus, has been moved this year to the Convalescent Center for the convenience of those hospitalized veterans. “It is significant to note that a tradition of adding a white cross in a grassy area on the grounds of the Memorial to honor DuPage County’s casualties of the war on terrorism  will not be necessary this Veteran’s Day, since our County has been fortunate enough not to have had a casualty since our Memorial Day Service in 2007.” Currently 15 crosses mark the site in honor of DuPage County’s fallen heroes.

Mayor Kwasman joins the Honorable Tom Mouhelis, Major (Ret), United States Air Force and Wheaton City Councilman. Mouhelis will serve as Master of Ceremonies and provide introductions for the many distinguished guests and contributors of the inspiring ceremony that will include the Posting of Colors by the Marine Corp League Detachment 399, the singing of the National Anthem by the Reverend James Rahtjen, and wife Kathy, of the Glenfield Baptist Church in Glen Ellyn, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance lead by the Honorable Bob Schroeder, United States Army and DuPage County Board member.

Mayor Kwasman considers it a great honor to be asked to participate in what he calls “a meaningful tribute to all veterans who have valiantly served our country.” He plans to share his thoughts on the great sacrifices made by men and women of the armed forces throughout this country’s history and the legacy of freedom their sacrifice has ensured for all Americans. “We owe our servicemen and women a debt of gratitude that is impossible to be repaid, but that is critical to be acknowledged,” he said recently.

Also included on the program’s schedule will be Dirk Enger, United States Marine Corps, who is the Co-Chair for the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Wheaton, Illinois and who will share his personal thoughts and reflections at the annual observance. A weapons salute offered by Taylor’s Battery, Civil War Re-enactors, and the Chicago Royal Airs Senior Exhibition Drum & Bugle Corps will perform “Taps” and “Abide With Me.” Entertainment for veterans and guests will be provided by SOUNDS OF GREEN, featuring Pat Daly and Bill Patton.

For more information, or a complete schedule of events, visit the DuPage County Veterans Memorial website at http://www.dupageco-il-vetsmemorial.org/.

###