Huntley’s Mayor, Tim Hoeft’s, opening statement at the December 16th Wreaths Across America ceremony, included “We celebrate the mission to Remember the fallen, Honor those that serve and their families, and Teach the next generation the value of freedom.”
Over 4,000 cemeteries across the country celebrated at about the same time as we honored over 400 veterans in the Huntley and St. Mary’s cemeteries. Many families arrived with children of all ages to help them understand that the veterans helped us retain our freedom.
Commander Pat Conley of American Legion post 673 said, “We are all proud to be Americans that live in a free society made up of many people from many walks of life. The freedoms we enjoy today have come without a price. Lying here and in cemeteries throughout this nation are men and women who gave their lives so that we can live in freedom and without fear. We can worship as we see fit. We can raise our children to believe as we do. We are free to vote for the leaders of our choosing. And, we have the right to succeed, and we have the right to fail at whatever endeavor we wish to pursue.
The United States of America was founded on the ideals of Freedom, Justice, and Equality. Our Nation stands as a shining beacon of liberty and freedom to the world. We thank those who gave their lives to keep us free.”
You can help the Village of Huntley, Rotary Club of Huntley and the American Legion by contributing for next year’s Wreaths Across America, December 21, 2024, with your gift of $17 per wreath to American Legion Post 673, P.O. Box 389, Huntley, IL 60142.
Cub scout pack 167’s clubmaster, Mike Drwal and cub families helped place wreaths on the graves of veterans, all honorably speaking the veteran’s name and thanking them with Jack Eubank Grayson Johnson, Brody Robertson and Eva Zaragoza in first picture. Grace McLean assisted in second picture.
