The 7th Fort Sheridan National Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony took place in Lake Forest on Sunday, May 24. Organized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the event gathered service members, families, and the community to remember and honor those who sacrificed their lives for freedom.
Stan Banash, a veteran of the United States Air Force, attended the ceremony with his wife, Laura Banash. They paid respects at the grave of Michael Banash, a family member and military man who served in World War II and Korea.
The ceremony saw participation from various groups such as the Libertyville VFW Post 8741, Bugles Across America, Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Community Pageants, and National Women Veterans United. Kevin Griffiths, Master of Ceremonies and Program Specialist at Fort Sheridan National Cemetery, expressed gratitude to those who died defending a cause greater than themselves.
Rochelle Crump, president of the National Women Veterans United and former Women’s Army Corps member, delivered the Memorial Day Address. Reflecting on military experiences, she highlighted ongoing sacrifices made by service members every day.
Andy Barrie of Northwoods Wreaths LLC donated Memorial Day Planters to Fort Sheridan National Cemetery. With volunteers, he placed 82 planters of red, white, and blue petunias and flags at gravesites, emphasizing the gesture as a tribute to fallen heroes.
Participants in the ceremony included Junior Miss Lake Forest Jhanvi Venkatasalam, United States Navy member MU3 Bobby Novoa, Little Miss Lake Forest Olivia Fosselman, Teen Miss Lake Forest Isabella Paulsen, among others.
The planters will remain at the cemetery until Monday and then be delivered to the Highwood/Highland Park VFW Post and the Captain James A. Lovell Veterans Hospital. Barrie commented on the effort as a humble tribute to those who served.
Stan Banash has visited the cemetery every year since 1968 to honor his uncle Michael Banash. He emphasized the importance of understanding military history to avoid repeating past mistakes and acknowledged the sacrifices made for the freedom enjoyed today.