Village of Westmont
Date Issued: Nov. 2, 2015
“We wanted to put together a display honoring our veterans to help us promote our community Veterans Day Ceremony on Nov. 11 at Ty Warner Park,” says Westmont Mayor Ron Gunter. “We want to thank everyone who has contributed to the display thus far as well as encourage other veterans to provide artifacts for the exhibit.”
The Veterans exhibit, which was created by Westmont Communications Director Larry McIntyre and local veterans Frank Trout and Paul Elias, will be on display on the second floor of the Westmont Village Hall, 31 W. Quincy Street, through the end of the year. Residents can view the exhibit during regular Village Hall business hours, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Photos of the Veterans exhibit have been published in the Village of Westmont Website Photo Gallery. The link is: villageofwestmont.smugmug.com/2015/2015-10-29-Veterans-Day/i-GCCrxjs
“This is a great way to honor our veterans,” says U.S. Army Veteran Frank Trout who served in Vietnam. “This is important so that people of all generations don’t forget the sacrifice made by these men and women.”
The display includes some very unique artifacts including: numerous medals, an antique navy cap, a Vietnam-era Army Helmet, a 1950’s Armed Forces poster, flags from the various branches of armed services, Naval Challenge Coins, Confirmation Certificate for duty within the Arctic Circle, antique and rare photos of Westmont-area veterans, U.S. Coast Guard Jacket and Cap, a Christmas card sent from a veteran to his family in 1944, dog tags, and a Purple Heart medal.
Some of the Westmont area veterans who have provided materials for the display include Frank Trout (U.S. Army Veteran), Paul Elias (U.S. Army Veteran), Nick Wienert (U.S. Navy Veteran), Huw Winston (U.S. Army Veteran), James Fitzgerald (U.S. Coast Guard, active duty), Dante Ruffolo (U.S. Army Veteran), Tony Pacheco (U.S. Army Veteran), Mike Chorney (U.S. Army Veteran), and Harry Lesner (U.S. Navy Veteran).
The Veterans Day Ceremony, held at Ty Warner Park on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m., is hosted by the American Legion with the assistance of the Westmont Park District. The Village encourages the entire community to participate and honor those who have served our country.
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Contact: Larry McIntyre
Village of Westmont Communications Director
630-417-0280, lmcintyre@westmont.il.gov
