Students take the lead thanking veterans in Wilmette

Wilmette neighbors across generations gathered at Veterans Park on Tuesday morning to commemorate Veterans Day.

The annual event, which led up to the placement of a wreath at the park’s flagpole, drew local scouts and fourth-graders as well as Village of Wilmette officials and area military veterans.

Andy Haszlakiewicz, the last commander of shuttered Wilmette American Legion Post 46, served as master of ceremonies, providing words of his own before introducing Village President Senta Plunkett.

Plunkett noted that the ceremony appears to get bigger and bigger each year and also emphasized the park’s mural, “Thank You,” which was created and dedicated in 2024.

“Today, and hopefully not just today, is an opportunity for us to reflect and thank all the men and women of our armed forces, who have fought and continue to fight for our freedoms,” she said. “Those freedoms are as important now as they have ever been.”

Central Elementary School fourth-graders led the crowd in the national anthem and Pledge of Allegiance, as well as a song performance.

To cap the ceremony, a wreath was laid, a 21-gun salute executed and taps played.

In Highland Park, local veterans organizations (American Legion Post No. 145, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 4737, and Jewish War Veterans No. 29) highlighted a ceremony at The Moraine, which also brought city officials and Highland Park High School musicians.

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