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Veterans honored during special two week commemoration

Extending the usual weekend of November 11^thto honor Veterans and Military successfully turned two weeks filled with music, parades and events. Every part of Illinois celebrated with events allowing Veterans and military to participate.

In an unusual celebration of Veterans Day, the City of Chicago moved is annual event from Soldier Field Gate O to the City Council Chambers. General consensus was the Chicago City Council Chambers is much warmer, has better personal facilities, comfortable seating and extended space for refreshments. Alicia Tate-Nadeauwelcomed the filled Chamber as a 33 year Retired Veteran and Executive Director of the Office of Emergency Management and Communications.

The traditional program offered remarks by United States Senator of Illinois Tammy Duckworth and video remarks by Mayor Rahm Emanuel. The keynote speaker was Brigadier General Mark C. Jackson of the Illinois National Guard. General Jackson serves as principal advisor to the Adjutant General responsible for formulating and developing programs and policy. General Jackson expressed his appreciation for the 9,900 Illinois National Guard citizen soldiers currently serving in the state in various community service projects and training.

Brig Gen Mark C. Jackson, Photo courtesy of Jerry Field

The program ended with coffee provided by VeteranRoasters.com (a Veterans owned company) and light snacks. Tom J. Day played taps and the opening invocation and closing benediction were given by LT. Stephen M Thompson, (Navy) Command Chaplin at Naval Station Great Lakes.

If you or your loved one would like a military presence at a memorial what is the only identification that will be accepted by the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Following the City of Chicago event from 11am to 1pm, the Jesse Brown Medical Center hosted a light lunch for Veterans, Military and patients offering Nancy’s Pizza and soft drinks. The event was hosted by Jesse Brown VAMC Volunteer Director Patrick Gleason.

What appears to be the final event of this Veterans Day 2018 day took place at the Union League Club on Monday November 12.(8:30-11:00 a.m.), The Union League Club (Chicago) in partnership with the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, presented a Veterans Day Commemoration with special emphasis on the Centennial of WWI (“Lest We Forget”).

Speakers include Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Stephen Curda, Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs who stressed his efforts are directed to outreach and service availability contacts with Illinois Veterans; Lionel Rabb, Board Chair, National Veterans Art Museum, and John Schwan, Interim President & CEO of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library.Gov. Rauner expressed his appreciation of Veterans as a major contribution to freedom and democracy .A Congressional report was offered by Illinois Senior Senator Dick Durbin who detailed the progress for additional benefits and services for all Veterans.

Additionally, the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) will recognize 200 honorees December 3^rdat the United Center as part of the Veterans Day commemoration

There may still be time to send an Orland Park Veterans Commission “Care Package” to deployed Military. The program is sponsored by the Stone Church, Park View Christian Church and Kruse’s Krew. For more information contact Veteran’s Commission Director Tom Dubelleis, 1505 West Avenue Orland Park, IL. Click here for more information on the Orland Park Veteran’s Commission.

Anthony E. La Piana, founder and president of Guardian Corps of America is the creator of the “Homeless Personal Survival Kit”. The kits are used to help homeless people organize themselves to leave the homeless status and enter into a stable life. Included in the kit are everyday items essential to help homeless get through the day. For information to assist in distributing homeless kits contact Anthony at 630-415-3281.

Two additional Veteran events will be held on Sunday November 17. The Irish American Heritage Center (4626 North Knox Ave., Chicago, IL 60630) in partnership with the Vietnam Veterans of America will honor those who served and those who sacrificed their lives for their country with a Mass and program. The mass is celebrated at 10:30 AM by Military Chaplin Father John McNalis. After Mass remarks will be offered by members of the Chicago Chapter 242 of the Vietnam Veterans of America, followed by music by the Mr. Steve Coyne of the Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band.

In the evening from 6 to 11 pm Chapter 242 of the Vietnam Veterans of America will host a Sock Hop at the White Eagle Banquets (6839 North Milwaukee Ave., Niles, IL.) Donation is $40.00 for tickets for this event; Call Pat O’Brien at 847 409 4676. There will be a silent auction, raffles a cash bar and dancing.

In requesting a military presence at a ceremony or funeral or cemetery the only identification that is acceptable is the Department of Defense 214, often call the DD 214. There are two official DD 214, those issued by the Department of Defense and those issued by the Veterans Administration. It’s the only forms of ID the DOD will accept to authorize a military presence at a funeral memorial.