Arlington Heights Veteran Group To Host Sailors On Christmas

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — A local veterans organization will again do its best to help sailors stationed at Great Lakes Naval Base who can't see their families at Christmas enjoy some holiday warmth surrounded by Arlington Heights community members.

The Veterans Memorial Committee of Arlington Heights will welcome 45 Great Lakes sailors to Christian Liberty Academy on Christmas morning. This year's event marks the 11th year that the local veterans group has hosted sailors.

Sailors will be treated to a Christmas dinner, unlimited treats, free phone calls home all day, video games and TV — activities they are not permitted to enjoy on base —and lots of well-wishes, according to Greg Padovani, the chairman of the Veterans Memorial Committee.

"A big part of this effort comes from the hundreds of people on Christmas morning who will offer a warm welcome to these young men and women," Padovani said in a news release.

Sailors will be welcomed to Christian Liberty Academy, which is located at 502 W. Euclid Ave., where they will be greeted by local residents and volunteers who will form a flag line along Ridge Avenue to welcome the group.

Area residents are welcome to greet the sailors when they arrive, including the flag line along Ridge Avenue, and should plan to arrive at 9 a.m. on Monday.