Residents Gather to Remember the Sacrifices of Our Military

About a dozen people gathered at the Veteran's Memorial in front of the Monday morning, to remember those who gave their lives in service to our country.

Corp. Jack Schaus, a member of the Burr Ridge Veterans Memorial Committee, said a few words in honor of the occasion.

"On this Memorial Day, we pause to reflect upon our blessings as a nation and the high cost of those blessings for many," said Schaus, whose idea it was to hold the wreath-laying ceremony.

A commemorative wreath was placed in front of the memorial by Village Trustee Leonard Ruzak and John Curin, a Burr Ridge resident who served in the Korean War.

"This is something we have to continually do to keep the people of our nation informed about the servicemen who have died and have to be honored," said Curin.

Curin's name is engraved on a brick in the memorial, next to the name of his best friend, James M. Heim, who attended basic training with him. The brick with Curin's name on it lies in a row of nine others of his family and his wife's family, who served in various wars from World War I to the Vietnam War. 

The subdued Memorial Day service was the first of many to come, said Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso.

"Today is about the people that gave it all," said Grasso. "Burr Ridge is a very special place ... it's important that we continue to come together like this to remember their sacrifices, because if we don't, people will forget, and it's up to our generation to pass that on to the next generation."

Resident Jan Bacigalupo walked to the memorial from her home in Burr Ridge. Her father, Everett Swartwout, passed away 10 years ago. He served in World War II.

"I'm so happy this is here, because it's better than going to a cemetery, you know. It's so much more meaningful," said Bacigalupo. "I walk over every Memorial Day [since the memorial was built.]"

Schaus closed the ceremony by expressing gratitude to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and their families.

"Thank you for the freedom we enjoy in this country, for opportunities to flourish, and for the security of our land ... Thank you for those who have given their lives in service to our country, sacrificing in such a costly way for the sake of others ... Oh Lord, may we be more aware of just how blessed we are as a nation. May we be more grateful for our blessings."

The quiet service closed with the playing of Taps.

"I can't help but shed a tear when I hear Taps play, because you know what that means to so many people," said Mary Ann Schaus.

*The Burr Ridge Veterans Memorial Committee is still looking for donations to pay for the memorial's upkeep. Those wishing to help can make a donation by check, payable to the Burr Ridge Veterans Memorial Committee. Checks can be sent to the Village Hall at 7660 County Line Road, Burr Ridge, IL 60527.

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