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Worth Mayor Mary Werner discusses historic aspects of Veterans Day during the annual observance Sunday morning at the memorial monument.
Under overcast skies and a brisk wind, Worth Mayor Mary Werner joined a crowd Sunday morning to honor veterans at the town’s annual Veterans Day Observance.
The ceremony at the Eternal Flame Memorial on 111th Street and Harlem Avenue brought together local officials, Scouts, and community organizations to pay tribute to veterans from all eras. Despite the chilly weather, guest speakers U.S. Rep. Sean Casten and state Rep. Mary Gill delivered heartfelt remarks, emphasizing the enduring importance of recognizing those who have served. From wreath-laying ceremonies to emotional acknowledgments of the dwindling number of World War II survivors, the event served as a poignant reminder of the debt owed to America’s veterans.
“Veterans who have served over the past 30 years make up the majority of surviving veterans,” Werner said. “Today, we have more than 18 million veteran survivors. However, there are fewer than 120,000 World War II veterans alive today.”
In past years, when it rained, the observance was moved next door to the North Palos Fire Protection District 3 station. Despite the cloudy skies and brisk wind this year, the ceremony continued uninterrupted.
A young scout from Boy Scouts Troop 668 and Cub Scouts Pack 3668 placed a wreath at the memorial. Casten noted that attending the event was a welcome reprieve from the ongoing election campaign. “This is what is most important,” he said.
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Michaela Weaver sings the National Anthem at the beginning of the Veterans Day Observance in Worth Sunday morning. (Photos by Joe Boyle)
Gill thanked those in attendance and stressed the importance of observing Veterans Day. “Thank you so much for serving, and I want to thank all the veterans here today,” she said.
Veterans and members of various organizations, including Casten and Gill, laid wreaths at the monument. Participants included the Marrs-Meyer American Legion Post 991, the Marrs-Meyer Auxiliary Unit 991, and the post’s SAL Squadron and Riders Post. Pam Barnett and Cathy Nolan from Paws Assisting Wounded Warriors also placed a wreath. Other groups included the Swallow Cliff Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, the Burbank Marines Auxiliary, Girl Scouts Troop of Ridgeland/Whitetail Woods, Worth Scouts Troop 668, Cub Scouts Pack 3668, the Worth Lions Club, the Worth Village Board Trustees, and the Worth Park District.
Nolan, second vice president of the Marrs-Meyer Post Auxiliary, said veterans should be appreciated for their sacrifice. “For those of us who have not served, we will never know what you have gone through,” Nolan said. “But what we want to tell you is that we see you, and we recognize your humanity.”
Steve Werner, finance officer for the Marrs-Meyer Post and husband to the mayor, urged younger veterans to join American Legion or VFW organizations. “There are a lot of suicides among veterans,” he said. “They need our help. Younger guys have not been joining our organizations. But we have a lot of camaraderie and we have fun talking to each other. These guys need that. They will not be judged by us.
“Our younger guys need a home, and we welcome them,” he added. “It can be a great place for younger guys.”
Mike McElroy, president of the Worth Park District Board, highlighted improvements to the memorial and thanked Casten for securing a $30,000 grant for its refurbishment.
Michaela Weaver, niece of the Werners, opened the ceremony with the national anthem and closed with “God Bless America.” Worth trustees in attendance included Brad Urban, Rich Dziedzic, Pete Kats, and Kevin Ryan.
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Worth trustees (from left) Brad Urban, Rich Dziedzic, Pete Kats and Kevin Ryan place a wreath at the Eternal Flame Memorial during the Veterans Day Observance Sunday morning.