Aurora Veterans Day Ceremony Moved Indoors, Parade Called Off Due to Inclement Weather

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Although the weather may have changed Veterans Day plans for city of Aurora government officials and veterans honored, it certainly didn’t dampen the patriotic spirit.

Out of an abundance of caution and with guidance from emergency management professionals, the Aurora city government Veterans Day parade scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 11, was canceled due to rain and high winds in the weather forecast.  

The Veterans Day ceremony, which would have followed the parade, was moved indoors to Aurora City Hall, 44 E. Downer Place. Priority seating was given to veterans and their families.  

“While my fellow veterans and I served in all types of weather, we want to make sure veterans are thanked and honored in the safest manner possible here at home,” said mayor of Aurora, Richard C. Irvin, an Army veteran.

“We look forward to recognizing those who served our country and invite the community to watch the ceremony online this Veterans Day.” 

The women veterans who were to serve as grand marshals of the parade were introduced and honored during the ceremony, which included remarks by mayor Irvin, a roll-call of military branches, highlights from local veterans organizations, and an outside 21-gun salute to commemorate the armistice agreement that ended World War I.   

State representative and former Aurora Ward 3 alderwoman Stephanie Kifowit, said during veto session, the State unanimously passed Illinois Senate Joint Resolution 34 which urges Congress to continue to honor men and women who served in the Korean War, often touted as The Forgotten War. She said the State of Illinois is urging Congress to recognize that Korean War veterans deserve congressional Medals of Honor. Kifowit said likely in January 2022, U.S. Route 20 which goes coast to coast will be named the Medal of Honor Highway. It will be in honor of those who achieved the highest honor an individual can receive. City of Aurora government Facebook video screenshot

In honor of the 35th Anniversary of Public Law 610, the bill signed in 1986 to authorize the establishment of the Military Women’s Memorial in Washington, D.C, women veterans were tapped to lead this year’s festivities, including Stephanie Kifowit, State representative, City officials, public safety officers, and business owners.  

Cecilia Lopez Leyva, the mother of fallen Marine Corporal Sara Medina, represented her daughter. An East Aurora High School graduate, Medina was killed in 2015 while on duty in Nepal, India.

Mayor of Aurora, Richard C. Irvin reads a proclamation in recognition of fallen Marine Corporal Sara Medina before presenting it to Cecilia Lopez Leyva, mother of Corporal Medina. City of Aurora government Facebook video screenshot

Women Veterans honored November 11, Veterans Day, include:

Marines:
• Sara Medina (posthumous honor received by her mother Cecilia Lopez Leyva)
• Stephanie Kifowit

Air Force:
• Erika Cephus
• Betty Hart

Army:
• Gloria Brenski
• Melanie Campos
• Darnetta Jones
• Gwendalyn Mance
• Janene Marshall

Navy:
• Ariadne Diaz
• Laura Kolanowski
• Mary Plata
• Eneke Smith
• Yvonne Thompson

The November 11 ceremony at Aurora City Hall can be seen on the City’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CityofAuroraIL

— City of Aurora government

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