Consider the idea of having a two-day national holiday where we first bow our heads on Memorial Day to honor those lost in war, followed by a celebration of our independence with parades, speeches, and fireworks. These days are intertwined, as remembering past sacrifices is essential to appreciating our cherished freedoms.
On my desk sits a vial filled with sand from Omaha Beach in France, the D-Day site from June 6, 1944. Here, over 9,300 graves marked by crosses and Stars of David lay above this historic beach. Although it is over 4,000 miles from here to Park Forest, the connection between these places remains unbreakable. Park Forest, often called the ‘G.I. Town,’ is a post-World War II community built for veterans to rebuild their lives in peace, fostering the next generation.
Previously, large crowds gathered on the Village Green in Park Forest to pay tribute to those lost in war during Memorial Day. Among these was the late Carl Dalke, a decorated World War II veteran, who wore his uniform adorned with medals and ribbons. Sadly, trends change; Park Forest American Legion Post 1198 now faces challenges. Their once elaborate ceremony now lasts under 20 minutes with around 40 participants.
The Village Green hosts a memorial plaque bearing the names of six Park Forest residents who perished in the Vietnam War, with a reminder inscribed: ‘we shall not forget.’ On Sept. 4, 1965, Lt. Col. James Alvin Branch’s F-4 Phantom was shot down over North Vietnam. For years, debris prevented recovery until his remains were identified much later.
Warrant Officer Rodney O. Davie tragically died in a 1967 helicopter collision, while Marine Lance Cpl. Terry King was killed in Vietnam combat that same year. Army Cpl. Joseph Passavanti III and Army Sgt. John A. LaBundy also met fatal fates in Vietnam in 1968.
Army Pvt. Gary McHugh suffered convulsions after handling explosives in May 1970. He died shortly after, the weather delaying medical evacuation.
In today’s world, focus on the values that established us as a hopeful nation is critical amidst the noise of political maneuvering.
Jerry Shnay is a freelance columnist for the Daily Southtown.
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