New Veterans Monument Unveiled At East Aurora High School

AURORA, IL — A new monument dedicated to East Aurora School District 131 veterans was unveiled Thursday at East Aurora High School.

The Veterans Memorial Monument stands on a brick foundation to represent the "firm resolve of the courageous Tomcats who left home to serve their nation, only never to return," city officials said.

The monument is inscribed with the tribute, "In memory of all East Aurora veterans who gave their lives fighting for our freedom."

A group of veterans, educators, students and community members gathered Thursday morning to witness the unveiling of the monument, located at the main flagpole by the high school's football stadium. Two current students and cadets in the East Aurora Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps lifted the veil from the new structure.

East Aurora High School is home to the Tomcat Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, the largest unit in the Midwest, according to Chief Communications Officer Clayton Muhammad. The Tomcat Navy will be featured in Aurora's Veteran's Day parade Saturday morning.

The parade will step off at 10:15 a.m. at the corner of Benton Street and Broadway.

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