After more than a year and a half under the knife, the rededication of Scoville Park’s World War I memorial is a cause for celebration.
So, that’s just what the Park District of Oak Park is doing Sunday, Nov. 7 at 2 p.m. as it officially unveils the monument, formally named “Peace Triumphant.”
The original dedication ceremony in 1925 featured then-Vice President Charles G. Dawes, an Evanston resident.
This year’s political guests aren’t quite so lofty, but they’re locally appropriate. State Sen. Don Harmon will speak, as will Sharon Hellman, director of Hines Veterans Hospital. Several veterans from the hospital are expected to attend as well.
Gov. Pat Quinn was going to speak at the rededication when it was originally scheduled last fall, and he’s been invited again this year. However, the park district said it doesn’t expect an answer from Quinn’s office until after the Nov. 2 general election.
Park board President Mark Gartland will also speak, and Gary Balling, park district executive director, will recognize the man whose company led the restoration effort, Andrzej Dajnowski.
Musically, Grace Episcopal Church will open the ceremonies by chiming its church bells. The Pro Musica Youth Chorus will perform, and Oak Parker Linda Sahagian will sing “God Bless America.”
To close the ceremony, park district maintenance employee John Borland, a war re-enactor, will play taps with another bugler, Tom Day.
A reception after the event will be held across the street at the Oak Park Public Library’s main branch, with light refreshments, a performance by the Hemingway Readers Theatre and music by the History Singers.
