Oak Lawn Pays Tribute To The Fallen On Memorial Day

OAK LAWN, IL — The Village of Oak Lawn VFW Post 5220 hosted a Memorial Day Ceremony in which Village Officials, Veterans, active-duty military members, their families and many community members came together to honor and remember those who died serving in the armed forces.

The program started with the VFW Post #5220 giving Certificates of Appreciation to Oak Lawn Firefighter/Paramedic - A. Walsh and Oak Lawn Police Detective/Officer - C. Fontaine. Fire Chief Riddle spoke of the exceptional achievement that Firefighter/Paramedic Walsh has demonstrated over the past year and Police Chief Vittorio spoke of the exceptional dedication that Detective/Officer Fontaine has shown over the past year dealing with some tough community situations. Both Firefighter/Paramedic Walsh and Detective/Officer Fontaine have shown a genuine commitment to their profession, their agency and to the Village of Oak Lawn.

The program featured Master of Ceremonies - VFW Post #5220 Post Commander - Rick Luemen, VFW Post #5220 Commander - Bryant Reed, and a variety of guest speakers which included Fire Chief Riddle, Police Chief Vittorio, Congresswoman Marie Newman, Oak Lawn Mayor Terry Vorderer, VFW Post #5220 Chaplain - Chris Reich, VFW Post #5220 Jr. Vice Commander - Richard Bukowski, Auxiliary VFW Post #5220 President - Maureen Luemen, Auxiliary VFW Post #5220 Chaplain - Gayle Bukowski, Auxiliary VFW Post #5220 Color Bearer- Linda Krone and VFW Award Recipient Dr. Sandra Bury.

Some of the solemn parts of the ceremony were the laying of the wreaths: Gold Star Wreath - Major Dan Johnson and Maureen Luemen (Aux Pres)

VFW Wreath - Bryant Reed, Commander and Maureen Ashe
Aux Wreath - Maureen Luemen, Pres and Rick Luemen (Past 3rd District Commander)
American Legion Wreath - Rich Bukowski, Commander and Gayle Bukowski
Disabled Vets Wreath - Terry Vorderer, Commander and Linda Vorderer and Grandchildren
Daughters of Revolution Wreath - Linda Gray, Audra Gray, Gale Shafter and Eles Miller
Purple Heart Wreath - Paul "Gunner" Marietta and Rick Luemen; the 21-gun Salute, the playing of Tabs and the National Anthem sung by Erin Jennings Vorderer.

Photos from the 2021 Oak Lawn Memorial Day Ceremony can also be viewed here: https://2021memorialdayolbykfox.shutterfly.com/