Memorial Day dawned sunny but blustery. But my wife Tecla and I decided to attend the village’s observance in Scoville Park beneath the “Peace Triumphant” monument anyway. It’s been an annual commitment for us. From our usual vantage point, a bench west of the platform, we could observe the many fellow citizens — and especially veterans who were recognized and honored — in the folding chairs and others standing around and behind them.
As usual, we expected — and enjoyed once again — thoughtful, well-crafted, and inspiring presentations that opened our eyes and hearts. Brian Flora, a veteran and retired Foreign Service officer, emceed again and provided, along with John Atwood, some historical background of the observance. Pastor David Heim invoked divine presence and blessing. Village President Vicki Scaman spoke well and truly about our citizenship. Kathryn Atwood lifted up the vital contribution of women in war efforts and she and John brought music to brighten our spirits. And the presence of our police officer honor guard (how could they stand as still as statues for so long?) brought due solemnity to the proceedings. All went as planned, and as scripted.
Most memorable to me, though, was a lovely, moving, and unscripted moment. From her place seated on the raised platform, Vicki Scaman stepped down, though it was right during a presentation. She had seen a frail, elderly man leaning on his cane behind the folding chairs. She went to him, urging him to take a seat. When he didn’t move, she went to the front row of chairs, picked up one, and took it back so he could be seated. Then she returned to her seat, quietly.
It brings me to tears, thinking how beautifully she put into action, not mere words, what a president should truly be: a servant of the people, not a master, much less a tyrant. Every president, from the highest level on down, should acknowledge that fellow citizens have given them a calling to serve, not just the power to wield as they please. A recent example is Pope Leo XIV, who certainly embodies that conviction, even if it was a few cardinals, not all Catholics, who chose him.
All of us need to hold our elected leaders to the high standard of service to all the people, not favor for the privileged and dominance over those deemed unprivileged and undeserving.
Fred Reklau
Oak Park