Wreaths event honors veterans’ lives

HUNTLEY — Huntley American Legion Post 673, Rotary Club of Huntley, the village of Huntley, Boy Scout troops and residents braved the cold to attend Wreaths Across America’s annual event at Huntley Cemetery Dec. 14.

The local Wreaths Across America ceremony is one of about 4,600 across the U.S.”Live with Purpose” is its theme this year.

“We celebrate the mission to remember the fallen, honor those that serve and their families and teach the next generation the value of freedom,” Huntley Mayor Tim Hoeft said.

Huntley American Legion Post 673 Commander Mike Stojak also addressed the audience.

“We are all proud to be Americans that live in a free society made up of many people, from many walks of life,” Stojak said. “The freedoms we enjoy today have not come without a price. Lying here before us and in cemeteries throughout the nation are men and women who gave their lives so that we can live in freedom and without fear. We can worship as we see fit. We can raise our children to believe as we do. We are free to vote for the leaders of our choosing. We have the right to succeed and we have the right to fail at whatever endeavor we wish to pursue.”

He continued, “the United States of America was founded on the ideals of freedom, justice and equality. Our nation stands as a shining beacon of liberty and freedom to the world. We thank those who gave their lives to keep their lives to keep us free and we shall never forget you. We shall remember. Today, more than ever, we reflect on our nation’s veterans and active duty service members who have had and continue to fight the innocent and oppressed. This nation has always been the first to stand up for the freedom of people around the world. Many of us here today have answered that call and served our country well. For that we say, ‘thank you’, we are honored to know you’.”

Huntley Village Trustee JR Westberg, a United States Air Force Veteran, said Wreaths Across America ceremony is an important one. “I have been part of Wreaths Across America for quite a few years,” he said.

“Before us today are wreaths in memory of those that served and are serving in the United States Army, the US Marine Corps, USAF, the US Coast Guard and US Merchant Marines,” Westberg said. “Also for the 93,129 United States service personnel from all branches of the service whose ast known status was either as Prisoner of war or Missing in Action. These individuals have never returned to their families and homes. We shall never forget you.”

It was stressed that the gathering is not for decorating graves or remembering their deaths, but their lives.

Block captains led the placing of the wreaths at Huntley Cemetery and adjacent St. Mary Catholic Church cemetery. Those who put the wreaths on the graves were encouraged to say the name of the veteran aloud and to say ‘thank-you for your service’.”