This Veterans Day issue marks the 10th year in a row we’ve honored veterans in a special section.
We started with 72 individuals in 2015. This year, we’re running information on three times as many — 216 — men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, breaking last year’s record of 207.
We have space to include only a limited amount of information about these brave men and women — when and where they served, any honors they received and their connection to Hinsdale. Many are residents or former residents. Others are the parents, grandparents or children of current residents. They represent all branches of the military and a number of different ranks. They’ve served in times of conflict — from the Civil War to Iraq and Afghanistan — and in times of peace.
Veterans Day has been a time to honor these brave individuals for 70 years, since President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially changed the holiday’s name in 1954. Prior to that, Armistice Day marked the end of World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th Day of the 11th month.
We are honored to run the photos of these veterans each year. In addition to the special section, we have other information relevant to Veterans Day in this issue.
A profile of retired U.S. Army Sgt. Aaron Myall runs on Page 9. If his name sounds familiar, it might be because he is a sophomore football coach at Hinsdale Central. Or because he and his brother-in-law, Steve Contreras, started the Clarendon Hills Little League softball program. In addition to being the father of four, he’s also a former Green Beret and recipient of the Bronze Star.
Our “Out and About” calendar listings also highlight several opportunities to mark Nov. 11, from a special ceremony at the DuPage County complex in Wheaton to lunch at The Community House. Check under the “Veterans Day” heading on Page 54 for details on these and other events. Veterans also are invited as special guests to the Inter-Faith Fellowship lunch at Union Church of Hinsdale, featuring a tribute from the Jolly Boys. That event is listed under “Faith communities” on Page 48.
Unlike Memorial Day in May, which honors veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice, Veterans Day honors all veterans and gives us the opportunity to thank them for their service.
We are privileged to do our small part.
