Neighborhood News

Published November 11, 2019 By Justin Kerr

American Legion Post Commander Bernie Stegmueller observes the Veterans Day ceremony.The U.S. flag flies once again at the veterans memorial on Western Boulevard at West 35th Street, thanks to the efforts of William McKinley American Legion Post 231 and Illinois 2nd District State Representative Theresa Mah. A Veterans Day ceremony on Monday, November 11, commemorated the service of U.S. armed forces members and raised the flag at the site, accompanied by the Pledge of Allegiance and a rifle salute.

The flag pole had been in disrepair for many years when American Legion Post members approached Mah last year about fixing it, she said. “No one was able to help them get it done,” Mah said.

An online search led Mah to the required flag pole part, which she then purchased. After checking with the Illinois Department of Transportation about access, “I enlisted the help of my friends from Operating Engineers Local 150, who brought a cherry picker truck,” she said.

Following the Veterans Day ceremony, the group retired to the American Legion Post on 35th Street to continue their observance the Veterans Day federal holiday.

The honor guard participates in the Veterans Day ceremony.

Edwin Esmenda from the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs joins Illinois 2nd District State Representative Theresa Mah at the Veterans Day observance.