No Memorial Day observance in 2020

The community will not be coming together this Memorial Day to salute the men and women who served in defense our nation and paid the ultimate sacrifice for the country’s freedoms.
Charles Brown, commander of St. Juvin Post 1336 Veterans of Foreign Wars, said that due to Gov. JB Pritzker’s executive order, Memorial Day services will not be held in its traditional format.
Originally scheduled for Monday, May 25, it was determined the ceremony could not be held due to the mandated school closure. The order prohibits the use of school property and since the Community Veterans Monument is located on the grounds of Coal City Intermediate School, the ceremony could not proceed as planned.
Veterans proposed moving the observance to Saturday, May 30—traditional Memorial Day—but due to the extension of the stay-at-home order through the end of the month, Brown indicated that date was not viable either.
“St. Juvin Post 1336 Veterans of Foreign Wars cannot even provide a simple presentation of the traditional wreath honoring those who gave. As Abraham Lincoln said during the Gettysburg Address, ‘the last full measure of devotion,” rifle volley and taps,” Brown said.
Traditionally, the Unit 1 School District hosts the annual Memorial Day observance at the school. Full compliance with the executive orders that have been issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic is what is keeping the ceremony from happening this year.
“The school district looks forward to hosting this ceremony next year. It is always an honor for us to help recognize the sacrifices of our veterans,” said Unit 1 School Superintendent Dr. Kent Bugg, who annual participates in the community Memorial and Veterans Day observances as featured speaker.
The community observance of the day is centered around the veterans monument that is comprised of the names of men and women from the community who served in the armed forces.
Brown reports the names of 14 individuals who served our nation will be added to the monument by Pontiac Granite. This will occur as soon as the company can gain access to the site.
The names will be etched on newly installed panels along with the legend, “Those Who Served,” and the addition of “Wall of Honor,” on the top of the south face.
There is no charge to have the name of a qualifying veteran placed on the monument.
Brown reports the cost of etching is $1,875 and is paid through a Community Veterans Memorial fund maintained by the post at First Midwest Bank. The fund currently has a balance of just over $3,200. Donations are always accepted and can be made directly at the bank, 20 S. Kankakee St., or sent to St. Juvin Post 1336, P.O. Box 191, Coal City, IL 60416.
The commander reports future improvements to the monument area include the addition of flag poles recognizing the newly organized Space Force and the other to fly the flag of the Merchant Marines.
“There are at least three members of the World War II Merchant Marines named on the memorial,” Brown said.
The cost of planned improvements is estimated at $1,500.