Community Corner
Oak Forest Turns Out to Honor Veterans
Crowd swarms City Hall for Memorial Day Ceremony Monday, May 28.
It's about freedom – and sacrifice.
Those words rang throughout the Memorial Day Ceremony hosted by the City of Oak Forest and the Owen W. Winter Jr. VFW Post 4241 Monday, May 28.
The program began at 11 a.m., catching much of the summer-like sun and a strong breeze. The tent sheltering attendees from the shade at Oak Forest City Hall was full, as was a nearby gazebo – and dozens of people still were standing on the grass. At least 100 people were in attendance.
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It made one thing clear to Post Commander Wayne Shedden: “It shows how everybody's got it in their hearts.”
“It” being the respect and honor for fallen soldiers who are recognized on Memorial Day. At 81, Shedden has been commander of the VFW for 18 years. He served in the U.S. Air Force Strategic Air Command from 1952 to 1956.
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The VFW has been hosting Memorial Day ceremonies since 1945, he said.
“Sometimes we get rained on, sometimes not,” he added with a laugh. But we try to do one every year.”
Memorial wreaths were presented by 18 entities or individuals this year, taking up most of the time program that lasted roughly an hour. There was also a tribute to Gold Star Mothers and a Veteran's Ritual that included the 21-Gun salute and a rendition of “Taps.”
Plenty of youngsters were involved in the ceremony, from the Boy Scout Troop 348 that sponsored post-program hot dogs and drinks to the Cub Scout Pack 348 that presented a wreath. And for some parents in the crowd, the ceremony is a good way to show local children how important soldiers are in keeping their way of life.
“It really teaches them who veterans are and what they do,” said Oak Forest resident Joellen Martin.
“It makes them aware,” Diane Gedrimas chimed in.
Both Martin and Gedrimas brought their young daughters to the ceremony. Martin said because the girls are all from China, participating in the ceremony lets them know who is protecting them here.
“I know they fight for us to be free,” explained Gedrimas' daughter, nine-year-old Nikki, “so that other people don't take over.”
Martin's daughter Haleigh, also 9, agreed.
“They fight for freedom.”
