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May 22, 2020
Honor Fallen Heroes on Lake County Memorial Day Website
A Wauconda-born World War II army veteran who was killed in the Battle of the Bulge and buried in Belgium. A 21-year army veteran who served in Vietnam and later played a supporting role in intelligence during the Cold War. A World War II veteran whose duties included serving as General Lucius Clay’s driver in France.
These are a few examples of the stories that Lake County residents have posted so far on a Memorial Day website that the county has created inviting families, friends and loved ones to honor fallen heroes who fought and died for our freedom. All members of the public are encouraged to create and submit an Honor Post as a tribute to their fallen hero on Lake County's Memorial Day website.
“While we cannot attend traditional Memorial Day ceremonies this year, it's important that we honor and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice serving our country," said Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart. "I hope people will visit this site to see the photos and read the stories of the men and women who bravely served and lost their life for all of us, and share their own memories of a loved one."
Each Veterans Affairs (VA) national cemetery will conduct a brief wreath laying ceremony on Memorial Day, accompanied by a moment of silence and the playing of Taps. The public is invited to participate in these ceremonies virtually. Livestream links and videos of Memorial Day 2020 ceremonies at VA National Cemeteries from across the country will be posted on the VA website as they appear on May 25.
Lake County Honors Veteran on 103rd Birthday
On May 21, the Lake County Veterans Assistance Commission, along with elected officials, first responders, and residents honored World War II Veteran Charles Kelley as he celebrated his 103rd birthday. View the parade video.
Currently a resident of Zion, Charles Kelley was stationed on the U.S.S. Helena when the Japanese struck Pearl Harbor.
His ship took damage, but he escaped and survived. Kelley would survive two additional ship attacks during his Navy career.
The parade also honored Veteran Clint McElroy, who is 99 years old and Veteran Al McElroy, 97 years old. Clint and Al are brothers who both served in WWII and who reside in Zion.
"This year, many of the events and celebrations typical of the traditional Memorial Day, where we take time to honor, remember, and express gratitude to those Americans who gave their lives for us in small skirmishes and epic battles, will not occur, as the fight rages on in this pandemic," said Andrew Tangen, Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County Superintendent. "This has been very hard for many of those we represent, but especially our Veterans. Charles Kelley, and Clint and Al McElroy, epitomize those who, from every generation, step forward to fight for us. Honoring these men, by bringing together various groups and citizens across the county, does not replace Memorial Day, but gave us the ability to continue to show that the sacrifices made by men and women that have allowed us to flourish as a nation will always be honored, no matter the circumstances.”
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Contact
Arin Thrower
Chief Communications Officer
Email
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