Wilmette Holds Virtual Memorial Day Commemoration

WILMETTE, IL — The coronavirus pandemic forced the cancellation of Memorial Day parades and commemorations across the country. But the Wilmette community nonetheless found a way to honor the sacrifice of those that have given their lives on behalf of the United States.

The event was organized with the help of American Legion Guerter-Wilmette Post 46. It featured a ceremonial rifle salute by a masked honor guard from the Wilmette Police Department, the laying of a wreath at the Wilmette Soldiers Memorial, a performance of Taps by Stefan Flip and remarks from the local post commander and village board chair.

In his eighth Memorial Day speech, Village President Bob Bielinski quoted from the farewell addresses of Presidents Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama.

"Let us draw inspiration from their words, and today let us celebrate our country and the freedom we enjoy. Yes, let us celebrate America. Let us celebrate government of the people, by the people, for the people, let us celebrate our sweet land of liberty, let us celebrate the land of the free and the home of the brave and let us celebrate the land that I love," Bielinski said. "And through our celebration, let us honor the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives in defense of our country to make our freedom possible."

American Legion Guerter-Wilmette Post 46 Cmdr. Andy Haszlakiewicz honored the health care workers who are serving on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. He pointed to the many similarities between heroes in the medical field and the fallen veterans honored on Memorial Day.

"They are men and women who sacrifice their own lives so others can live. They are both elite and ordinary. They are elite in the sense of character. Giving their lives so others can live is the ultimate definition of selfless," Haszlakiewicz said. "They are ordinary in the fact that they represent the diverse fabric of our country. They are rich and poor, black and white, men and women. They come from every ethnicity and background. In short, they look like any one of us."

Watch full 2020 Wilmette Memorial Day commemoration: