On Saturday, Nov. 11, Huntley held its annual Veterans Day ceremony and collection event in the town square. This event is co-sponsored by the Village of Huntley and the Women’s Auxiliary of American Legion Post 673.
At 11 a.m., the ceremony begins with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a speech by the current commander, Don Smolinski.
“It’s the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, that was the end of WWI, Armistice day,” said Michael Stojak, US Army veteran and past commander of the American Legion. “That’s why our ceremony will be at 11 o’clock.”
Veterans and their families and friends all attended to show their support and appreciation for the veterans in their lives. Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops also attended to learn about the importance of the holiday.
“I was one of the lucky guys who didn’t have to go to Vietnam, even though it was raging at the time. I spent all my time stateside,” US Army veteran and past commander of the American Legion, Michael Stojak said.
The legion is always looking for new members to join and help them support the veterans in the community and other veteran organizations.
“There are 25,000 veterans in the Huntley area, we only have 360 of them here as members,” Stojak said. “We would love to have them all come out and join.”
Veterans made a choice, one most people are too cowardly to make, to risk their lives and protect their country.
“I wasn’t going to college, but I could give my country a couple of years and do my part,” US Marine Corp veteran, Wayne Workowski said.
The collection event, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., collected non-perishable items for transient veterans who live at New Horizons. This year they are also collecting donations for the Veterans Path to Hope food pantry.
“There are so many local veterans that don’t have food, they need lodging, and all sorts of help so what better way to honor them for all the sacrifices they made for us,” said Barb Read, Special Events Manager for the Village of Huntley.
People from all walks of life joined together to help honor all the sacrifices our veterans have made for us. From leaving their families to giving up their lives in combat, Veterans Day is a special time to give back for all they have done.
“Today’s a day, not remembering the veterans who have passed away, but about the veterans who are alive,” Stojak said. “That’s what Veterans Day is all about.”
