St. Charles Mayor Honors Fallen Veterans For Memorial Day

ST. CHARLES, IL — Most years, the annual St. Charles Memorial Day parade brings hundreds of people out to pay tribute to those who have died in service to their country. But with all public events called off due to the coronavirus pandemic, St. Charles Mayor Raymond Rogina paid a virtual tribute to veterans over the Memorial Day weekend.

“During this time of the year, we recognize and solemnly pray and give thanks for and to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives while serving their country,” Rogina said, lamenting the lost opportunity to for the community to show its support with a parade and speeches at the city’s Freedom Shrine.

“As we reflect upon our democracy and our personal freedoms, I hope we accept the fact that we have such (freedoms) because of a soldier’s valor, a soldier’s bravery, a soldier’s complete disregard for his or her personal well-being,” Rogina said.

Rogina also took a moment to honor his father, Raymond, who served in the U.S. Army during World War II. The elder Raymond Rogina died in July 2019.