Column: Veterans Day in Aurora brings out many emotions

As happens to me after attending the Aurora Veterans Day parade and celebration each year, I departed this year’s recent event feeling many emotions. I am so very proud of all of our veterans, and I am grateful to them for so much.

I was slightly disappointed later that day to see a Facebook post commenting that “the parade gets smaller year by year.”

Having attended the celebration for decades, I have noticed quite the opposite. While the number of veterans actually marching may be fewer, our young people have picked up the “slack” by participating with their Junior ROTC units.

“Young people are our future, but some don’t know about Veterans Day until they come to this parade,” said Marine Corps veteran Pete Rodriguez, who is also a retired Aurora police officer. “For the city to have this is great because we need to have that presence.”

“We veterans take pride in teaching kids as they grow up of what Veterans Day actually means,” added U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Jack Hinterlong, in the Army Reserves, who was in attendance with his father, veteran Ron Hinterlong. “Both of my grandfathers were also veterans.”

Hundreds of young people came to this parade with their Junior ROTC units. It was a source of great pride as I watched the sea of units continue to march by. Cadets from West Aurora, Mooseheart and Marmion Academy joined in, and students from a leadership academy in Rantoul traveled over 100 miles to participate. Almost all of the young people participated on their day off from school.

The largest participating unit was from East Aurora High School. Its senior instructor, Cmdr. Michael Kerley, U.S. Navy retired, mentioned that the unit has about 460 cadets, and that about 370 were marching that day. How impressive it was to watch this group that seemed to go on forever.

Also notable were volunteers whose presence always adds much dignity to the day.

Among them was the rifle squad, under the command of retired U.S. Army Capt. Charles Saloga, which fired volleys at exactly 11 a.m. to commemorate the end of World War I. And bugler George Bowater, who traveled from Orland Park to play taps after the rifle volley. The silent tribute from all present during that playing is always most inspirational.

“This request came through, and I responded,” said Bowater. “I’ve been doing this for about four years, and have played at many military funerals. I didn’t serve as a young man, but I’m serving as an old man, now retired.”

Although the official theme of the celebration was “Honoring the Heroes Among Us,” gratitude was the first thought of each person who spoke from the reviewing stand.

“This is a day for us to say ‘thank you’ and to honor those who have worn the uniform,” said Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin, who is also a combat Army veteran. “They have stood ready to defend our freedom, and have done so with courage, honor and sacrifice.”

A veteran of the Iraqi war, former U.S. Pvt. 1st Class Jessica Lynch, was the featured speaker at the celebration. She is well known nationally because of her capture by the enemy, and her time as a POW. She was subsequently rescued by U.S. Special Operations Forces. Three Chicago television outlets had reporters in Aurora to cover Lynch’s visit.

She told the emotional story of her capture, the injuries she suffered and her gratitude to her rescuers. But the end of her talk was meant for veterans and non-veterans alike.

“What I want to leave you with is that no matter what you are going through, keep a positive and persevering attitude,” she said. “Whether it’s financial, relationships or school, continue to never give up.”

Mike Eckburg, commander of Roosevelt-Aurora American Legion Post 84 in Aurora, concluded the program by announcing the veterans who passed away in the past year.

“Our message to all veterans, past and present, is that we will never forget you,” he said. “Say their names. And may God Bless America.”

I will say the name of my father, Army Capt. Thomas G Strong, who served in Europe and North Africa from 1941-1945.

Tom Strong is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.