I want to thank everyone who attended the 101st Memorial Day Parade last week in River Forest. This is a very special community observance, and we were fortunate to have beautiful weather for it. Seeing our streets lined with families, friends, and neighbors filled me with pride as your village president.
As we all know, the true purpose of this day is not celebration. It is to honor and show reverence for those who gave their lives in service to our country, along with acknowledging our veterans who are still with us, and active members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Anyone who has served deserves our fullest attention, gratitude, and support. I wanted to take this opportunity through our local paper, Wednesday Journal, to ensure these brave and honorable individuals receive the respect they have earned.
In particular, I want to recognize our resident grand marshal, Donald Ferrone. Mr. Ferrone joined the U.S. Army Air Force Reserve in 1944, serving our country during World War II, and ultimately rising to the rank of corporal. He is one of the many brave individuals in our community who have served, continue to serve, or have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we are all able to enjoy, every day.
These individuals are the reason we gather on Memorial Day. I hope everyone took a moment to reflect on this dedication and sacrifice. Please review this year’s Memorial Day Honor Roll, which recognizes our community members who have served. You can view the Honor Roll here: vrf.us/HonorRoll
I would also like to thank the dedicated volunteers who make this event possible each year: especially Bill Piper and Rick Gillis of Kiwanis, along with Karen Stille and the River Forest Park District, the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce, and our own firefighters, police officers, and village staff members.
I was honored to participate in this year’s River Forest Memorial Day Parade.
Thank you,
Cathy Adduci
River Forest village president