Oak Lawn-Hometown Pays Tribute To All Who Served: Veterans Day 2026

OAK LAWN-HOMETOWN, IL—Oak Lawn and Hometown will honor military service members with Veterans Day ceremonies in their respective communities, which this year falls on Wednesday, Nov. 11.

Originally called Armistice Day, Veterans Day is always observed on Nov. 11 to reflect the signing of the armistice ending World War I at 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. The observance was changed to Veterans Day in 1954 to include veterans who served in World War II and the Korean War.

Here are some Veterans Day events you don't want to miss:

Oak Lawn

Johnson-Phelps VFW Post 5220 is planning a Veterans Day ceremony honoring all veterans and active military starting at 11 a.m. at the Oak Lawn Veterans Memorial behind the Oak Lawn Public Library at 9427 W. Raymond Ave. You need not be a veteran to attend.

This year post members will be joined by the Marine Corps League of Burbank Detachment 072 in presenting the colors. Other local veterans organizations who’ve been invited include

The ceremony will feature the Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School Choir who will perform patriotic songs.

The ceremony will be attended by village officials, including Mayor Terry Vorderer, a Vietnam combat veteran. Invited local veterans organizations include the Marine Corps League, the Johnson-Phelps VFW Ladies Auxiliary, and the Swallow Cliff DAR. Invitations have also been extended to the Disabled Veterans of America, American Legion Post 757 and the Purple Heart Veterans.

The VFW Ladies Auxiliary will be selling poppies made by disabled veterans. All proceeds will go back to the disabled veterans.

After the ceremony, everyone is invited back to Johnson-Phelps VFW Post 5220, 9514 S. 52nd Ave. (52nd Avenue and Yourell), for coffee and pastry. The Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School orchestra will be performing a concert for the veterans.

Hometown

The City of Hometown at 11:11 a.m. Monday by the Patterson Park by the eternal flame (Main Street and Pulaski Road). Lunch will be served for all veterans at the Hometown-Murray VFW Post 9773 9092 Main St., following the ceremony.