MORTON/PEORIA, Ill. – Tazewell County took the time on Memorial Day to honor those from the “Greatest Generation” who are still alive.
14 veterans of World War 2 took the stage at Morton High School’s Bertha Frank Performing Arts Theater, telling stories and being recognized for their service from an overflowing crowd.
Tazewell County says there 16 veterans from the Second World War still alive. Veterans Commission Director Steve Saal says he and County Clerk John Ackerman began discussions last fall about putting a list together of the veterans still alive, and came up with around 23 names in November.
Ackerman says they used election records, discussions with American Legions, and even conversations with veterans themselves to compile the list. But Saul says five of them had passed away, and urged Ackerman to hold a ceremony to honor the remaining still alive.
One of those veterans on stage was Jim Harris of Pekin, who served as a U.S. Army occupation troop in Japan from 1946 to 1948. He says the ceremony was “heartwarming.”
“I’m humbled by the fact that all these people are acknowledging our service and willing to come out to honor us. It is our privilege,” Harris said.
Harris says he joined the military after high school because it was appealing to him, and wished he had made it his career. He says U.S. troops were received well in his time in Japan.
Another veteran on stage was Stu Ruch of Hopedale, who served in the Air Force as a bombardier from 1943-1945 in Japan. He recalls a big moment from his time in Japan.
“One night, we were loading bombs on our bomber. Then all of a sudden, everything went off, shooting guns in the area and everything. And we had heard that Japan had surrendered,” Ruch said.
Ruch says he did not get to celebrate long that evening, finding out soon after the news that he was flying another mission that next morning. He says he was happy that he was able to come back home from Japan.
Pomp, circumstance, and reflection were part of Peoria’s annual Memorial Day ceremony.
Monday’s ceremony was held at the Gateway Building along the Riverfront. The Peoria Municipal Band preceded the ceremony, and also played songs honoring all branches of the military. Taps was played in honor of those who sacrificed their lives in service.
This year’s featured speakers included retired Brigadier General United States Air Force William “Robbie” Robertson. He wanted people to keep in mind the true meaning of Memorial Day.
“If you celebrate this day, be thankful that our brothers and sisters in arms gave you an opportunity to celebrate and enjoy the freedoms they fought to defend,” Robertson said. “Never forget them. It’s about remembrance, honor, and respect.”
Robertson also told stories of three veterans from central Illinois, two from Peoria and one from Henry, who gave it all for their country.
Rosenbaum spoke about the Honor Flight, and what it means to the veterans who make the trips to the war memorials in Washington D.C. to remember.
“Those names on those walls are more than just a name of a service member that we may sit there and see. That’s a service member that died in action, or didn’t make it home. But for our veterans that are going out there, it’s a day for them to remember. It’s their Memorial Day, out there in D.C.”
Comments