Veterans Honored at Memorial Day Event

As World War II veteran Art Bauer hung a prisoner of war flag at Monday morning’s Memorial Day ceremony, a crowd gathered to watch and show their respect.

The annual American Legion Post 1231 event brought out local residents to honor veterans, Post Commander Don McMullen said.

"It’s really about patriotism and honoring veterans,’’ McCullen said.  "Now, with Iraq and Afghanistan and the number of soldiers who have gone over there and who have returned – and with some paying the ultimate price – I feel there is a greater awareness.’’

With the Jacobs High School marching band playing, participants marched along Route 31 to the river where the ceremony continued and a crowd had gathered.

"Your first amendment gives you many freedoms – don’t abuse it, embrace it,’’ said McMullen at the ceremony. He also asked those in attendance to shake hands with each other and say: "I’m proud to be an American.’’

Algonquin Village Board of Trustee Bob Smith asked the crowd to thank a veteran for their freedom by saying, "Our hearts go out to you – our thanks go out to you.’’

Lynette Kieffer, the daughter of World War II veteran Dwight Hall, talked about the scribbles in the Bible that her dad carried with him during the war.

"January 9th 1945 – captured,’’ read one posting, which marked the day her dad was captured by Germans — only six weeks after going off to war, she said.

"My dad rarely talked about his war experiences or POW experiences,’’ she said.

Donna Wienckowski, whose husband Bob Moszkiewicz served in the Vietnam War, spoke about how the war shaped those who served in it. Bob Mozkiewicz was killed in a car accident following the war in 1975.

"They came back with many broken pieces – not whole anymore,’’ said a tearful Wienckowski.

 A wreath was laid in the river to honor veterans and taps were played.