Settlement of Europeans in northern Illinois began in the 1820s, 1830s, and 1840s. The largest ethnic groups to arrive in Aurora in the 19th Century were from Luxemburg and from Romania. Each group can cite a proud history of settlement. Frequently we receive reminders.
The Luxemburg ambassador to the United States is in Aurora this week, after a stop in northwest Iowa for a 150-year celebration of the first arrivals to that area from Luxemburg.
Gaston Stronk will be a guest of honor Thursday, June 10 for a celebration to start at 5 p.m. at the Blackberry Farm on the far West Side of Aurora, a Fox Valley Park District site. The gathering will be open to more than residents of Luxemburg descent, yet, representatives such as Reuland, Jakious, Schindlbeck, just to name a few, likely will be in attendance for the celebration. Another name will make an appearance, Cigrand. The latter was born in Wisconsin, a son of an immigrant family from Luxemburg in the 19th Century. The late Bernard Cigrand became a dentist and found his way to Aurora and to ply his trade in Batavia. His legacy is important because he is the father of Flag Day. That treasured day is June 14 each year, and is a testament to a reflection of our country.
The late John Galles likely would have made it to the celebration Thursday, June 10. The proponent of Aurora Boys Baseball and retailer at Main Surplus in downtown was an Aurora fixture.
There will be other visits for the ambassador who drove to Iowa, then was to drive to Aurora. He will visit Reuland Food Service at noon and be shown Luxemburg cemetery sites at the St. Nicholas Cemetery and Annunciation Cemetery, each built by descendants of Luxemburg. Many residents of Luxemburg ties will cherish the visit of the ambassador.
As an historical note: Luxemburg, spelled Luxembourg in Europe, is the smallest of the three Benelux countries in northwest Europe. Benelux is formed by independent countries, Belgium, The Netherlands, and Luxemburg. Luxemburg is touched by both Germany and France geographically. The United States is an amalgam of many countries in every continent.
Important notes not to be missed:
• Leaders, Trailblazers, Change Agents, is the cover name given to the annual Black History Community Awards Banquet in Aurora at the Prisco Community Center, 150 W. Illinois Avenue, Friday, June 11. Special guest will be actor Chill and the keynote speaker will be Dr. Nehemiah Russell.
• Saint Peter Church in Aurora will be one of 300 host sites Friday, June 11 in the World Priest Annual Global Rosary Relay. The prayer is in support of priests, seminarians, and those considering a religious life. St. Peter Church is at 925 Sard Avenue.
• Children’s Day will be Sunday, June 13. Protection and love for children is the aim, according to Fox Valley sponsor, John Ross. Fact: 2.5 Million children are homeless in the United States.
• Kane County Animal Control will be host to its second Rabies and Microchip Animal Clinic from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 12 at Kane County Animal Control, 4060 Keslinger Road in Geneva.
• Michael Zafran, Sheridan Camp No. 2 commander, Illinois Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, will present a handwritten diary at 3 p.m. Friday, June 11 to GAR Hall representatives in downtown Aurora.
Clear and Concise, Week 23, Year 2:
First things first! What is the difference, in a description, between first and first-ever? None. The first annual is impossible, until there is a second annual. The first is first.