Monument Planned At York High School

ELMHURST, IL – A monument is planned at York High School to honor more than 100 graduates who gave their lives in service to the country in wartime, a local veterans leader said Monday.

"This has been a long initiative by history teacher Justin Riskus," Eric Pulia, commander of the Elmhurst American Legion post, told the City Council. "Efforts are underway to raise funds for a memorial monument at York High School to these York graduates, a total of 118 who made the supreme sacrifice from World War I through Iraq and Afghanistan."

The effort also involves, among others, Dave Novotny, commander of the local post's Sons of the American Legion, Pulia said.

One of the fundraisers is an Army-Navy football game watch party, which starts at 2 p.m. Dec. 14 at the post, 310 W. Butterfield Road.

Earlier that same day will be the annual Children's Christmas Party. Santa is expected to visit, bearing gifts. Also at the event will be a bounce house and balloon artists, Pulia said.

The party is from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

"I did hear a rumor that Alderman (Jacob) Hill is going to dress up as an elf," Pulia joked. "Maybe there could be a public pressure campaign."

"No one will be surprised," Mayor Scott Levin said, referring to Hill, a veteran.