The city government of Aurora will continue its annual Memorial Day tradition of honoring veterans who paid the ultimate price protecting the liberties of the United States of America.
Due to restrictions on large gatherings, the city government of Aurora will host a virtual remembrance ceremony this year.
Viewable on the Aurora’s Facebook page, the ceremony will begin 10 a.m. Monday, May 25 with a special Flag Raising Ceremony presented by representatives of veterans’ organizations.
“Although we must be physically apart, I look forward to our city coming together to honor those who gave their lives for the very freedom we hold so dear,” said mayor Richard Irvin, a veteran of the United States Army. “As we pay respect to our fearless fallen heroes and heroines, we are reminded that even during these trying times, we still have so many reasons to be grateful.”
To honor the fallen, mayor Irvin will be joined by U.S. congressman Bill Foster and State representative Stephanie Kifowit, who is a veteran of the United States Marines and the president of the local chapter of the Illinois Women Marines Association.
The program will include a tribute to Aurora Gold Star Families, poetry by the Aurora poet laureate Karen Christensen, musical performances by Aurora high school alumni Melissa Bonilla and Mark Murphy, and a special keynote address from Master Sergeant Anthony Vaughn, Assistant Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA).
Representing IDVA director and Aurora resident Linda Chapa LaVia, Vaughn will speak to the event’s theme, Remember and Honor. Vaughn served 24 years in the United States Marine Corps before retiring in 2005 and continuing his service with the IDVA for the past 15 years.
The ceremony will run simultaneously on the homepage of the City’s website at www.aurora-il.org.
— City government of Aurora