Skokie Honors Veterans With Virtual Memorial Day Observance

SKOKIE, IL — Village officials, staff and members of local veterans groups gathered at a safe distance Monday at Emily Oaks Nature Center as they honored members of the United States military who have sacrificed their lives on behalf of the nation.

Residents were not allowed to attend Skokie's 2020 Memorial Day observance in person due to the statewide stay-at-home order issued in response to the coronavirus pandemic, but village staff livestreamed a cell phone video of the event (watch below) to local cable and social media channels.

The village's event, hosted by Fire Chief Jeff Hoeflich, featured performances of "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "America the Beautiful" by Niles North High School student Jamie Acido, remarks by the mayor and representatives of local veterans groups, as well as invocations by the chaplain's of Skokie's fire and police departments.

Mayor George Van Dusen thanked service members and first responders on behalf of the village.

"We are not certain where we are today. Are we at the beginning? The middle? Are we nearing the end of the pandemic?" Van Dusen said. "But of one thing we can always be certain. That is of the courage and the valor of the men and women of our armed forces, as well as our first responders. Who else do we rely on when danger comes forward? Our medical personnel, our police, our fire."

The mayor pointed out that many of the village's first responders have previous military service.

"When the first wave of the pandemic arrived, who did we call on? Every single branch of the armed forces," he said. "Their discipline and their valor made and protected us. They rushed to where the pandemic was most endemic and it is because of their valor that the one thing we do know is that we will preserve, we will gain strength, and we will win this challenge just like we have all of the ones previously."

Ed Potash, commander of Jewish War Veterans Skokie Post 328, noted the vigorous debate over how to ease strict restrictions imposed as a result of the pandemic.

"What is missing from this debate is not the need for a solution. What is missing is appreciation that we can openly debate such matters at all, without fear of reprisal from either the government or each other, so far," Potash said.

Men and women of the U.S. armed forces have given their lives for the First Amendment rights of freedom of speech, religion, press and assembly, Potash said.

"Let us continue the debate," he said. "And let us also remember that no matter how difficult things become, it is our freedom to debate the solution rather than the solution itself that makes us all Americans."

Rabbi Moshe Wolf, chaplain for the Skokie and Chicago fire and police departments, as well as the Illinois State Police, delivered a benediction.

"Our job here this morning is to think of somebody who's at home, think of somebody who could use a hug, think of somebody who could use a kind word," Wolf said.

"Reach out to them and honor the memory of the men and women who gave of themselves and then honor the men and women who go out there every day and protect our city."