Buffalo Grove area veterans were honored for their service on Nov. 11, Veterans Day, with a complimentary Culver’s hamburger supper and Tuesday evening program at the Community Arts Center (225 McHenry Road) in Buffalo Grove.
Superintendent of Communications and Marketing Mike Terson of the Buffalo Grove Park District returned as an enthusiastic and entertaining emcee for the theater program portion.
Terri Ebner of Buffalo Grove, adult programs coordinator, has been helping to coordinate patriotic events for the Buffalo Grove Park District for years.
“It’s one of the programs that I love, love, love to come to,” Ebner said about the Veterans Day event. “I love working on it, I love doing it, so I’m honored to be here.”
Buffalo Grove Village President Eric Smith was in the theater audience among elected officials.
To veterans and military members on Veterans Day, “That’s what it’s all about today,” Smith said to Pioneer Press.
“Thank you for all that you do for us on a daily basis.”
Illinois State Senator Adriane Johnson of Buffalo Grove and of the 30th District also attended.
“That’s why I come here every year because it’s important to always remember that…Veterans Day is every day,” Johnson said.
State Representative Dan Didech of Buffalo Grove (District 59) dined with his children, Violet, 3, and Theo, 5, a kindergartner.
“They like the ice cream and they’re excited to see the ceremony to honor our veterans,” Didech said about Violet and Theo.
Volunteers with the VFW Post 981 of Arlington Heights posted the colors for the theater program.
Stewart Abbink of Island Lake, commander of VFW Post 981, said, “It’s very important,” to present the flag colors annually here.
Priscilla Van Zanten, United States Army Lieutenant Colonel, retired, of Kildeer, and formerly of Buffalo Grove, volunteers for the event. Van Zanten is of the (ETHS) Evanston Township High School Class of 1986.
“It’s an honor that the park district puts this on…and for the last, maybe 10 or 11 years, my role has been to get the guest speaker,” Van Zanten said.
The keynote speaker was LTC (RT) Christina Moore, formerly of Skokie, and of the Niles West High School Class of 1980, who addressed the theater audience and was seen becoming emotional during moments of her remarks. Moore saluted the audience immediately after the speech.
Moore acknowledged people who have served or are serving, people who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and for those in attendance to honor Veterans Day.
To veterans, “I’m here to remind you that on this day, the 11th day of November, is set aside to remind you that your country and Americans do care,” Moore said. “And we recognize all of the things that you have done.
“We recognize you, the veteran,” Moore said. “I salute you in the name of freedom.”
Karie Angell Luc is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.
