As Memorial Day weekend dawned, a group of energetic students, Dr. Lenart, Dr. Montgomery, and a host of Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Knollwood community members took to the Lake Forest and St. Mary’s Cemeteries to place small flags on each grave of service men and women who have passed.
As the crowd dispersed across the cemeteries, the reverent group diligently sought out each grave and recognized that each of these individuals served this country valiantly. Over 1600 flags were placed at Lake Forest Cemetery and over 500 in St. Mary’s Cemetery. As the group departed the cemetery, the community’s dedication to the success of our country was evident.
At 6 a.m. on Monday morning, a large group joined the American Legion in the center of Lake Forest, ready to hoist the 10 foot flags to commemorate Memorial Day. Before the flags were raised, junior Bennett Pandolfio was recognized for his contribution to the effort.
His Boy Scout Eagle Project, which took place over the winter, had him and his Troop sanding, and polyurethaning each of the over 350 flagpoles, ensuring their usefulness for years to come. With the chime of 6 a.m., the herd headed out, down Western, Deerpath, Oakwood, Illinois, back to Western, up Bank Lane and down Forest Avenue, finishing with a few more flags on Westminster and Wisconsin. Simultaneously, other groups were hoisting flags down the north end of Western and across the West side.
With the city adequately prepared, the group headed to the American Legion headquarters to gather chairs and the podium for the annual Memorial Day Ceremony. At 11 a.m., the American Legion Post Color Guard and Scouts from many Troops, paraded into Market Square, with a defining beat of the “Left, Left, Left, Right, Left” the multigenerational group caught the attention of the burgeoning crowd. Stepping up to the podium, Commander Jim Holmes, called the event to order. Supported by Monsignor Robert Dempsey, Pastor of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Ms. Ellie Borders, prior 4th grader teacher at Sheridan Elementary, and Lake Forest High School alumni, Chief Warrant Officer CW2 Harrison Yi.
As the service started in earnest, LFHS junior Rosie Meyer sang a beautiful and heartfelt rendition of the National Anthem. Her performance was flawless and breathtaking. Shortly thereafter, the Lake Forest High School Band (and alumni) performed the Medley of Armed Forces Theme Songs. As the melodies changed, various members of the audience stood, proudly representing their military branch, and again giving the audience a demonstration of the number of veterans present in our communities.
The group paused at the annual recitation of “In Flanders Fields” read by Ms. Ellie Borders, and the crowd felt the importance of remembering those who had served and those who had passed. They were reminded of the importance of the red poppy to the American Legion.
As LFHS alumni, Mr. Yi took the stage, he commented that “You do not need to be a member of the military to strengthen the bonds of our country and carry its ideals proudly.”
Further, he encouraged us all to “keep the memories of our fallen alive” and to “understand that the flag stands as a symbol of our most sacred ideal – freedom.”
Mr. Yi concluded his remarks stating: “Continue to gather as a community on Memorial Day, to honor the memories of the fallen and missing. We come together to acknowledge the debt we owe to the patriots that took up arms and paid the ultimate price in order for our families, their friends, and their fellow citizens to live in peace. If you continue to treat Memorial Day and its meaning with reverence and respect, others will follow your lead.”
Before the program concluded, the Post Everlasting Ceremony recognized those American Legion members who passed away this past year and the Rifle Squad gave them a Three Volley Rifle Salute. Finally, Timotei Dan and Austin Cofer had the crowd on the verge of tears as they performed Taps with two bugles distantly spaced across Market Square. As the sound reverberated off the walls of town, the crowd appreciated both the skill of the trumpeters and the importance of the moment. With a closing prayer, the Ceremony ended for many, although the Legionaries headed with a smaller crowd to the cemeteries across town, stopping at each for a brief and intimate observance of the multitudes that served our country.
At 4 p.m., just before the clouds opened up with a torrential shower, the LFHS Interact Club, the Legionaries and various community members, gathered again to retire the flags that covered the town. With the fear of rain, the team worked diligently and quickly, rolling each flag and safely
tucking it into the truck to be stored until Fag Day. Having avoided the rain, the efficiency of the retrieval team was legendary, but the team itself felt blessed – appreciating both the opportunity to pay homage to our forefathers and to have had the chance to come together as a community.
The Memorial Day Celebration came to conclusion Tuesday morning, as Legionaries and community members returned to the cemeteries and gathered the flags. As the last flag was collected, the group pronounced, “You are not forgotten, we thank you for your service, now and always.”
Memorial Day Weekend in our community is a special place as people stand together to recognize those no longer with us and to honor their sacrifices.
