Elmo Ray Younger, a World War Two veteran, was the guest of honor.

“We mourn our brothers and sisters the day we they left us,” he said. “It doesn’t matter how much time has passed, no words of condolence can relieve the grief.”

The day began with a parade. Marchers gathered in Chapin Park in the late morning. Scout packs, motorcyclists and even a fire truck gathered, then walked down Liberty Street.

The color guard led the way, marching in step to the courthouse lawn. Included in the parade were Scout packs, the Morris Community High School Marching Band, police and emergency vehicles and representatives from the Grundy County veterans assistance commission emergency services.

“We thank the veterans, but ultimately we thank those that have given the ultimate sacrifice for this great, amazing country that needs defending everyday,” said Congressman Adam Kinzinger, R-Channahon, a late addition to the program.

During his short speech, he noted the different receptions returning soldiers have received returning home, such as the soldiers coming home from Vietnam.

“In that process, Americans learned that, even if you don’t agree with a war, to not take it out on those that serve this country,” Kinzinger said.

He compared that welcome with the one he received when he returned home after service in the Middle East, when people lined up at the airport to welcome the servicemen and women.

Pastor Roy Backus of First Presbyterian Church gave the benediction at the end of the observance.

Backus quoted Psalms 23: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”

After the flag on the west end of the lawn, which had been at half-staff for the observances, was raised up to full staff, it was greeted with a 21-gun salute. When the observances concluded, Jerry Zeborowski, Morris Veterans of Foreign Wars commander, asked that people stop during the busy weekend for a moment.

“Pause for 15 or 20 seconds,” he said. “Think of the men and women that have given their lives so we can live in this free country.

“Honor them. Think of them. Remember them.”



The full article and photos can be found on the Morris Daily Herald website here.