By Mike Eckburg, Commander, Aurora American Legion Post 84
If you have spent time in the military, or love those who do, you have the experience of burying those who died at an age that many consider way too young. The surviving members of the family, friends, and teammates are left with memories of a life well-lived, a hero, a father, mother, sister, brother, son or daughter. It is then our duty to never forget and honor our loved ones and to live our lives in a meaningful way that they would want us to do.
A recent death of a dear friend, a veteran, left many of us stunned and at a loss for words. Herschel Luckinbill gave us so much, gave us memories, created bonds, and built so much in our community. Herschel was a leader in everything he did, always there to help those around him. He was a man who looked the world in the eye. He was a man who feels an extra heart tug when a flag goes by. He was a man who steps a little faster when he hears the beat of a military band. He is a veteran.
My sincere gratitude to Stephanie Kifowit for spearheading Illinois House Joint Resolution (HJR) 79 which designates the section of Route 30 in Kendall County from Douglas Road to River Road as Herschel Luckinbill Road. Additional thanks to Keith Wheeler, Barbara Hernandez, Mark Batinick, Maura Hirschauer and Karina Villa for their work on HJR 79.
—Aurora American Legion Post 84