Honoring the Dead - Remembering the Living

The Fourth of July is approaching and once again, for the third year, I will be asking patriotic volunteers to line up on Washington Street and hold the sign of a fallen Illinois soldier.  This year there will be two hundred and forty-five signs needing to be held, and when I started this tradition three years ago, there were two hundred twenty-nine names.  The list has grown. 

Many will come - some to hold the sign of their fallen hero.  Others will simply take time on this most patriotic of days to honor the sacrifices of faceless, nameless men and women who have heard the call of duty and answered it with their lives.  Many of you have shared with me how much this memorial meant and how wonderful you felt after spending that hour of your day.  I hope you and many of your friends and family, or clubs and organizations, will come out to demonstrate your gratitude and respect.

The signs have been printed and and I'm ready to glue them to the sticks so we may place them on the lawn, next to an American flag, after the event.  The Oswego Fire Department will send a truck with the American flag and lights flashing at some point during our Stand to show their respect also.

Won't you please join me and help make this a memorable event once again.  As always, it will be the most satisfying part of your day.

DATE:  Thursday, July 4th, 2013
TIME:  10 - 11:00 A.M.
PLACE:  26 E. Washington Street (corner of Washington & Monroe Streets)
CONTACT:  Pat Gavros @ 630-554-5440 to give me the number coming
PARKING:  Many side streets, down by park and bank near Post Office, etc.
DISABLED:  If you can't stand, by all means bring a chair to join in

As always, live an inspired and patriotic life!