The Rev. Lynda Carter (left) of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church and supporter Robert French ring the historic Goodell School bell during an Armed Forces Day ceremony May 18 at the Lincoln Park Historical Museum.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
LINCOLN PARK – Residents gathered on the grounds of the Historical Museum May 18 to remember veterans and ring the historic Goodell School bell in a ceremony that coincided with Armed Forces Day.
The annual Memorial Day-inspired tribute featured a Lincoln Park High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps honor guard, vocalist Joscelyn VanCleave singing the national anthem, former City Councilmember Virginia Mondon leading the Pledge of Allegiance and the Rev. Lynda Carter of St. Michael and All Saints Episcopal Church providing the invocation.
Mayor Michael Higgins said giving tribute to the people who gave their lives preserving our country’s freedom is a heart-rending experience.
Vocalist Joscelyn VanCleave sings the national anthem as a Lincoln Park High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps honor guard presents the colors May 18 during an Armed Forces Day bell-ringing ceremony at the Lincoln Park Historical Museum.
Historical Museum Curator Jeff Day said the United States Memorial Day tradition began as Decoration Day in 1868 following the end of the Civil War, and mainly promoted the Union soldiers.
“Today we honor all soldiers that have fought for our country, not only on our own soil, but certainly on the soil of countries around the world,” he said.
Day said we must remember the ordinary people who went off to war to preserve our freedoms and who lost their lives on the fields of battle.
“As we approach this reverent Memorial Day, we do pause and reflect on the many thousands of selfless souls who gave everything to defend our freedoms,” he said. “We recall those from our own community. They are our fathers, our brothers, our mothers and our sisters. They are our friends and our neighbors. They are the heroes next door.”
Day said it is our duty to share their stories and sacrifices with future generations.
Supporter Robert French then helped attendees ring the historic Goodell School bell in remembrance of ancestors who served in the United States armed forces.
Museum Curator Jeff Day (left) speaks May 18 during an Armed Forces Day ceremony at the Lincoln Park Historical Museum, while supporter Robert French (third from left) waits to assist with the bell-ringing.
Participant Robert French (on bell rope, left) with Lincoln Park Mayor Michael Higgins ring the historic Goodell School bell during an Armed Forces Day ceremony May 18 at the Lincoln Park Historical Museum.