Veterans to be honored at McHenry Co. Fair

For the second year, the McHenry County Fair will honor local veterans with a special day of their own. All veterans will receive free gate admission on Thursday, and the Great Lakes Naval Band will perform at a 7 p.m. "Tractor Salute to Veterans" review in the Grandstand.

"It's our second year doing this," said fair director Dick Crone. "We wanted to do something for the veterans of our area.

The show starts with the "21-Tractor Salute," a parade of bright-red, flag-festooned tractors that will circle the field.

"Each tractor will be driving in honor of all McHenry County veterans who have been killed in service to their county, since World War II," Crone said.

"We will read the names of the fallen as they pass in formation, then they will rev their engines in salute. There will be a moment of silence, then a bugler will play taps."

Members of the Woodstock VFW post will offer a rifle salute, then the Great Lakes Naval Band will perform a concert of patriotic selections.

"We don't ever want to forget all of those names," Crone said. "They served our country. It's the least we can do for them."