Remembering Heroes: Memorial Day Ceremony

OAK LAWN, IL — The Village of Oak Lawn and Johnson-Phelps VFW Post 5220 graciously hosted a Memorial Day Ceremony, drawing together esteemed Village Officials, honored Veterans, dedicated active-duty military members, their cherished families, Oak Lawn Police and Fire Departments, Moraine Valley Trustee - Eileen Kerlin Walsh, and a multitude of deeply reverent community members. Together, they convened to bestow honor and reverence upon those courageous souls who made the ultimate sacrifice while dutifully serving in the armed forces.

Commencing the program with grace and dignity was Richard Luemen of VFW Post #5220, who extended a warm welcome and commenced the proceedings with a collective recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, uniting hearts and minds in patriotic devotion.

Steering the ceremony with poise and solemnity were key figures such as Richard Luemen, donning the roles of Master of Ceremonies of VFW Post #5220, alongside the esteemed VFW Post #5220 Commander, Tony Smertene. Adding depth and resonance to the occasion were esteemed speakers including Worth Township Supervisor - Patricia Joan Murphy, Audra Gray (Swallow Cliff NSDAR Chapter) and Oak Lawn Mayor - Terry Vorderer, whose words echoed with gratitude and remembrance.

The ceremony was punctuated by moments of profound reverence, exemplified by the solemn laying of wreaths, each representing a poignant aspect of honor and remembrance:

The Gold Star Wreath, presented by Kathy Smertene.
The VFW Wreath, tenderly presented by Tony and Kathy Smertene.
The Aux Wreath, solemnly presented by Tony and Kathy Smertene.
The American Legion Wreath, reverently presented by Mayor Vorderer and Linda Vorderer.
The Daughters of Revolution Wreath, respectfully presented by Linda Gray, Audra Gray, Gloria Flathom, and Jessie Daraskaand members of the Swallow Cliff NSDAR Chapter.
The Disabled Veterans / Purple Heart Wreath, honorably presented by Richard and Maureen Luemen.

The ceremony further reverberated with moments of profound respect, including the dignified 21-gun salute, the melody of Taps resonating through the air, the National Anthem delivered with soul-stirring reverence by resident and former United States Marine Corp Veteran - Mike Sutko.