Memorial Day is a day to honor the fallen and older men and women seem to dominate the makeup of those who attend Memorial Day ceremonies. But it did Richton Park Retired Chief Petty Officer Robert J. Welch’s heart good to see the Principe family of Mercy, 9, Levi, 7, Lukas, 5, Joy, 4, and Hudson, 1, sitting in the front row Monday.
Welch spoke at the 2024 Memorial Day Ceremony at General Patrick E. Rea Veterans Plaza in Tinley Park with the children listening to what he had to say. Welch, a heavily decorated veteran who serves with many veterans groups and is a engineering equipment manager with the U.
S. Army Corps of Engineers, said younger people need to be involved and understand the meaning of Memorial Day. “Memorial Day is not just another holiday,” Welch said.
“We need to pass along our knowledge to the next generation so that they may do the same. We must ensure that the youth of tomorrow understands the true cost of freedom.” Aside from the Principe family of Tinley Park, there was a smattering of youth among the several hundred in attendance.
But there were also a pair of young essay winners who shared their wisdom. Emma Dix of Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School in Orland Hills, read from her Patriots Pen essay, that centered on the pride she feels living in the United States thanks to those who fought and died for the country. “Our great country, America, inspires me because of its freedom, rich history, natural beauty and people who make up this wonderfu.