Mokena Honors Those Who Have Fallen in War

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have fought and fallen for the freedom U.S. citizens enjoy. On Monday, May 30, members of took time to honor their friends, family and other Mokena residents who served in the armed services and fell in the line of duty.

Starting just after 10 a.m., VFW member Jim Hogan, other members of the VFW, several active service men and veterans filed into St. Mary's Cemetery to begin the Memorial Day ceremony. Hogan welcomed the crowd gathered for the event before speaking about the reason for the holiday.

He said the flag that flies over the nation is one that represents the patriotism of those who fight or fought. Each color, every bar and star, means something to every soldier and should mean as much to every American.

During the three-part ceremony, which started at St. Mary's Cemetery, then went to Pioneer Cemetery before concluding at St. John's Cemetery, Hogan read the names of those who had given the ultimate sacrifice. While Hogan spoke, there was a 21-gun salute. Auxiliary member Jean Kozlowski and a member of the crowd laid flowers at the flag of each cemetery.

“If it wasn't for the ladies auxiliary we wouldn't be where we're at,” Hogan said. “It's the entire community, it's the members of the post, the ladies and men that make this happen. … When you get this kind of community feeling, I'm just hoping we all tie that together with the knowledge that there are men and women fighting for our freedom, right now, today.”

To see more photos from the event, check the "Memorial Day 2011" album on our Facebook page

For veterans Bob Stillman and Jason Weseloh, who served in 1953-57 and 1990-95 respectively, the ceremony carried a very real weight to it. The patriotism and honor shown by the VFW and the residents of Mokena was a touching reminder of their time in the service.

“This is just a great day, it's truly fantastic,” Weseloh said. “It just makes me feel very patriotic.”

Stillman, who drove his military Jeep in the parade with Weseloh and Weseloh's two sons, Aaron and Nathan, echoed Weseloh's sentiments.

“There's not a lot I can say, it just makes me feel patriotic and just honored,” he said.

Mokena residents Mike and Kathi DiStefano, who brought their son, Mike, and their neighbor, Lexi Barduson, said the Memorial Day ceremony has become a family tradition.

“We love coming out for this, we've been doing it for six years, since our son was born,” Mike said. “It's an honor to be part of this, paying tribute to those that have fallen.”

Following the conclusion of the ceremony at St. John's Cemetery, the crowd was welcomed to the VFW for a celebration that included the Lincoln-Way East and Mokena Elementary School bands.