Indian Trails Library collecting veterans' stories
With more than 20 family members having served in every war dating back to the Civil War, Michael and Alice Ellis, of Buffalo Grove, are proud of their family history.
Coupled with their stories are keepsakes - like diaries from the Civil War kept by Alice's great grandfather Stephen E. Bowen or a newspaper from April 15, 1865, talking about the assassination of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln.
"I didn't realize how awesome and extensive our family history was," said Alice. "It's something that has been a source of pride in our family. Having a career in the military was expected."
The Indian Trails Public Library District will salute all veterans on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, in a patriotic program from 11 a.m.-noon, featuring a Color Guard and a guest speaker.
Presently, Indian Trails is collecting stories from area veterans for a Wall of Valor, through the Veteran's History Project.
The Project collects biographical data including the conflict, branch of service and the rank of a veteran or fellow comrade. Forms are available at the Ask Here desk at the library.
The Wall of Valor will be unveiled Veterans Day; the deadline to submit stories is Oct. 15.
"I think it's great the library is doing this," said Alice. "I never expected it to be this big. I'm glad the library is doing this for the veterans."
Among Michael's stories are from his father, who was in the Battle of the Bulge and was an artillery spotter at the Battle of Dresden. Alice and Michael have had a total of three family members in the Navy, nine in the Army, two in the Marines, five in the Air Force and one in the Coast Guard.
Currently, the family members serving are a son, Kenneth, in the Marines and a cousin in the Coast Guard Reserve.
"I don't think we as a community do enough for our servicemen," Michael said.
"I think people are starting to say thank you to veterans," said Terri Shanahan, Indian Trails library attendant and organizer of the Veteran's Day festivities. "Without them we wouldn't have the lifestyle we have today. They are real heroes."
In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day to honor the soldiers who died in the country's service.
Raymond Weeks, a World War II veteran, in 1946 led an initiative to change Armistice Day to Veterans Day.
In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower made the congressional action and established Armistice Day officially changed to Veterans Day. More than 42 million U.S. soldiers have died during wartime since 1775, according to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
For information about the Veteran's History Project, contact Chris Gibson or Terri Shanahan at (847) 459-4100.