Barack Obama

Southlanders remember 'Images of Sacrifice'

Tuesday, May 31, 2005

CHICAGO DAILY SOUTHTOWN
By Jason Freeman

On Monday afternoon, many Southlanders took time away from their back yard barbecues to remember veterans during Memorial Day ceremonies.

At Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, thousands -- including U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) -- honored the fallen at a ceremony titled "Images of Sacrifice."

After a presentation of colors, the singing of the National Anthem and the raising of the flag, a World War II Avenger plane flew overhead.

Max Daniels, portraying Abraham Lincoln, gave the crowd a taste of history by reading the Gettysburg Address, followed by a speech by Obama.

"Once a year, on this day, in the fullness of spring, in the presence of those who never really leave us, it is the life that we honor," Obama said. "Lives of courage, lives of sacrifice, and the ultimate measure of selflessness -- lives that were given to save others."

Obama said that although those buried in the cemetery may have passed on, they are not gone.

"Among red maples and sturdy oaks, over 10,000 Americans now lay here, resting peacefully under an endless Illinois sky," he said. "They rest in silence. (But) in this place we've come to associate with the quiet of death, the memories of loved ones speak to us so strongly that when we stop and listen, we can't help but hear life."

A wreath was presented by the mothers of soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan as the Joliet American Legion Band played solemn patriotic music.

After a rifle salute and a presentation of "taps" by the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Squad, the colors were retired by the Joliet Police Department Honor Guard.

"Thorough their service, these men and women have lived out the ideals that stir us as a nation -- honor, duty, sacrifice," Obama said.

In Orland Park, the names of 13 veterans were added to the "Place of Peace" memorial which stands in front of village hall, 147th Street and Ravinia Avenue.

Bud Gleaves, of Orland Park, who served for 13 months in the Korean War as a rifleman, received two purple hearts for his tour and was on hand at the ceremony.

"I think this is a wonderful thing that they do," he said. "A lot of people go on vacation and go on picnics, but these people are here for us. That people remember (those who served), that's the main thing."

After the presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem, retired Air Force Col. the Rev. Leo Lyons read the newly-engraved names.

Darlene Lanham of Chicago came to see her father-in-law and nephew get their names on the memorial.

"It was a nice ceremony," she said. "It's a great tribute to the people who served, and it's just wonderful."

Thomas Mick, a veteran of the Persian Gulf War, was one of the 13 names inscribed on the base of the memorial.

"It's a nice recognition," he said. "I'm just happy to have my name next to my grandfather's."