Huntley proudly honors veterans

HUNTLEY — Huntley area veterans received a salute in honor of their service on a sunny Veterans Day at Huntley’s Veterans Memorial Nov. 11.

Huntley American Legion Post 673 Commander Pat Conley gave remarks, and flags were presented and retired.

“Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day because the armistice was signed to end World War I, on the 11th day, of the 11th month, at the 11th hour in 1918,” Conley said. “It’s an honor to speak at Veterans Day. Thanks to all Veterans and ‘God Bless America’.”

Conley, a Sun City resident of 20 years, grew up in Chicago. He served in the Navy from 1961-65.

He said the Huntley American Legion Post 673 membership has about 300 dues paying members.

“The Post is doing quite well,” Conley said. “Our priorities include the ‘Hope for One’ campaign. Now, there are 22 suicides a day of veterans and we would like to see that at one. So many have been deployed two and three times.”

“Most Americans profess to truly love our veterans, especially at gatherings like this on Veterans Day and Memorial Day,” Conley told the crowd. “While their feelings are secure, it is important to remember that veterans are defending us 365 days a year. The heroism that has been demonstrated time and again by veterans from the American Revolution to the Global War on Terrorism sometimes are unnoticed by many who enjoy the security that their sacrifice has provided.”

“Not all veterans have seen combat, but all have at one time made the solemn promise to sacrifice their lives for this country if called upon,” Conley continued. “Without the formidable strength that veterans have demonstrated in war, Americans would never enjoy their daily freedoms.”

Collections held

Also on Veterans Day, residents helped veterans support organization New Horizons and Veterans Path to Hope by donating many household supplies. The effort was sponsored by the Village of Huntley and the Women’s Auxiliary of American Legion Post 673.

“We have been holding the collection for about five years. The support was great and it warms my heart,” Village of Huntley Special Events Manager Barb Read said.

Post 673 history

Here is a history of the Huntley American Legion Post 673, from its web site.

Huntley American Legion Post 673 began on July 20, 1920, when a group of World War I veterans in the Huntley area applied for a charter with the newly formed veterans service organization, The American Legion. On Feb. 7, 1921, the National Legion organization chartered Post 673 with 22 members. The Illinois Department of the American Legion certified the Post 10 days later. It first used the current Post home on Coral Street in 1951. Since, the Legion welcomed home veterans from the Korean War in the 1950s; the Vietnam War in the 1960s; the Gulf War in 1980s and conflicts in the Middle East and Afghanistan.”

“The Legion has become a vital part of the Huntley community,” according to the Post 673 web site.