Meaningful Memorial ceremonies all stark reminders

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Holidays are important significant. We cherish them for the reasons holidays exist: Celebrations, memorials, specific events.

Remembrances in many communities Monday this week are important universally, however, especially when there are families who remember loved persons who died in wars. Some families remember loved ones who died, whether or not they were in the military. A memorial is heartfelt and knows no boundaries. It touches the heart. We must respect those who grieve and who remember, whether continually or on special occasions. Families are the special focus at Memorial Day for there own reasons.

That many communities hold sacred services, or, memorial observances should be respected and understood. Privacy of thoughts and memories are personal and touch the heart.

Al Benson, perpetual photographer, participant in organizations, and writer, submitted information on the event he attended at the Sunken Gardens in Phillips Park in Aurora Monday.

First readers should know that because of Al Benson’s continual coverage of AARTA (Aurora Area Retired Teachers’ Association) the organization made him an honorary member.

Here is a part of his information:

“Aurora mayor Richard C. Irvin, a United States Army veteran, and Gold Star families paid respect to Aurora’s fallen heroes during a wreath-laying ceremony Monday, Memorial Day, at Aurora’s Veterans Memorial monument in Phillips Park. (Gold Star families are special remembrances for those families whose member died in a military setting.)

“Jesse DeLaTorre, who was killed in action in 2007 was one of three East Aurora High School graduates killed in Iraq in consecutive years. Lance Corporal Hector Ramos was killed in 2005 and Lance Corporal Edwardo Lopez was killed n 2006.

“West Aurora High School graduate Christopher Patterson died in 2012 while serving in Afghanistan. The two most recent East Aurora High School graduates who paid the ultimate price were Lance Corporal Sarah Medina, who died while on a mission in Nepal in 2015, and Specialist Miguel Villalon, who was killed in action in 2020 in Afghanistan.

“To Gold Star families, mayor Irvin presented framed proclamations declaring the City will name the birthdays of the fallen heroes in their honor.”

There were ceremonies and remembrances in many communities, to include Montgomery , Oswego, Yorkville, Naperville, Lisle, South Elgin, Elgin, Bolingbrook. Many ceremonies and parades were canceled when evident strong cases of COVID-19 interrupted planning procedures. Next year should be better for a full return to the memorials and ceremonies.

Mayor Irvin offered a compelling tribute in remarks at the Veterans Memorial:

“These young leaders and so many others before them, gave their lives abroad to save ours here at home. They are gone, but certainly not forgotten. For those of us who served, all gave some, but, sadly and honorably, some gave all. We can never forget the sacrifice of our military heroes, especially those who left home and never returned.”

Other speakers in the Aurora ceremony included State representative Stephanie Kifowit, a Marine veteran, and Aurora Poet Laureate, Karen Christensen, who recited a poem.

• War offers few winners, only survivors. Until mankind learns to seek peace first, we will continue pay homage to the fallen for their sacrifices. It is a world-wide problem. We must find a way to emphasize peace over war and killing.

Clear and Concise, Week 22, Year 2:

Continual use and overuse of pronouns can lead to confusion and lack of clarity. When we use she, or he, or they, or, him, or her, rather than the proper name it can be confusing for the reader, or the listener. Think speaking clearly for the benefit of the audience.

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