Lemont Park District Supports Veterans

LEMONT, IL — Back in 2014, Lemont Park District launched an initiative to support and thank local veterans. According to a release, this initiative kicked off with starting a "Veteran's Honor Roll," a list that honors local veterans including their name, military branch and conflict in which they serve.

The park district said local veterans are invited to sign up for the Lemont Park District Veteran’s Honor Roll, comprised of over 100 names now, by contacting Pam Carter, the District’s Manager of Education Services and Community Liaison, at 630-257- 6787 Ext. 3001. Veteran and active military are also invited to visit the Veteran’s Appreciation booth at the annual Independence Day Extravaganza held at Centennial Park on July 3. According to the release, they can sign up for the honor roll and also receive a small token of appreciation for their service.

Kicking off Freedom Days this past week, the park district held its annual “Stars & Stripes Tribute To Our Veterans” at Legion Park on June 26. According to a release, several area veterans attended and enjoyed a presentation which included a local Girl Scout troop presenting the colors and words of appreciation given by Lemont’s Mayor, John Egofske, and Lemont Park District Board President, Brian Pepich.

The CORE Fitness & Aquatic Complex, in partnership with the South East Association for Special Parks And Recreation (SEASPAR), also participates in the Home Front Health program offering veteran’s with disabilities a fitness membership at The CORE along with other special programming, the park district said. For more information on this program, contact SEASPAR at 630-960- 7600.

In addition to all these initiatives, The Lemont Park District decided to have a “Thank a Vet, Buy a Shirt!” fundraiser this year. According to a release, the agency is selling T-shirts sporting the phrase, “United States Veterans are at The CORE of America” on the front with “Thank a Vet!” on the back. The T-shirts are available in youth and adult sizes and can be purchased for $15 each at The CORE. All T-shirt sales profits are being donated to fund local veteran events and causes. These shirts will also be available at the Veteran’s Appreciation Booth during Lemont Park District’s Annual Independence Day Extravaganza on Monday, July 3.

Photo provided by Lemont Park District.