Highland Park Memorial Day Observance Honors Community and Veterans

Highland Park High School’s auditorium, featuring the message “Dream…Believe…Achieve…”, hosted the City of Highland Park’s annual Memorial Day Observance. The event was held on May 25 at 11 a.m., followed by a barbecue lunch in the school’s courtyard under sunny skies.

The Jewish War Veterans Post 29 conducted the bell ceremony, marking the end of the program with the final bell chime. Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering highlighted the importance of the occasion, emphasizing the opportunity it presented for the community to unite and honor veterans.

The event featured a bell ceremony, speeches, performances by the Highland Park High School Band, and a performance of “Taps” by bugle musicians. Notable speakers included Sonja Marie Martin, a retired U.S. Army staff sergeant, and U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Ryan M. Dunbar, both Highland Park residents.

Dunbar praised Highland Park, calling it a wonderful community. Having joined the military in May 2006, he has lived in Highland Park since the previous July. Martin, who served from 1987 to 2008 and has resided in the area since 2011, shared her appreciation for the community’s welcoming nature. She expressed surprise and honor at being chosen as an honoree speaker.

Memorial Day in Highland Park also serves as a reminder of the tragedy on July 4, 2022, during the Independence Day parade shooting. Martin reflected on the community’s resilience in overcoming adversity and the strength found in solidarity.

Linda Iovino, a Highland Park High School 1970 alumna and chaplain, represented the American Legion Auxiliary of North Shore American Legion Post #738. Her late father, Neil P. Iovino, served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1939 to 1948, enduring captivity during the Bataan Death March. Linda Iovino emphasized her appreciation for veterans and highlighted the value of freedom.

Karie Angell Luc reported this event for Pioneer Press.