‘Thank You’: Wilmette mural dedication highlights local Veterans Day ceremonies

A new element will become part of a Wilmette tradition on Veterans Day Monday, Nov. 11.

During the village’s annual ceremony, a public mural, called “Thank You,” will be dedicated, according to the village. The artwork, designed and painted by Asend, acknowledges veterans, including Wilmette residents and employees who have served in the armed forces. Asend, whose name is Luis Ramirez, began the project in September.

Since September 2023, the Village of Wilmette began to focus on creating a mural with up to $40,000 remaining in community donations to the town’s sesquicentennial efforts in 2022. The Wilmette Rotary Club was a significant contributor to the funds.

The Village Board voted unanimously in April to award a $38,000 contract to Ramirez’s company, City to City.

Wilmette’s annual Veterans Day ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, at Veterans Park, 1111 Central Ave.

American Legion Wilmette Post 46, the Wilmette Police Department and the Wilmette Fire Department will host the event, during which local Scout troops will lead the Pledge of Allegiance and Central Elementary School students will perform. A rifle salute will sound downtown shortly after 11 a.m.

Other local ceremonies include:

Avoca District 37: The public is invited to honor those who have served at the school district’s annual Veterans Day Breakfast from 8:45-10 a.m. at Marie Murphy School, 2921 Illinois Road, Wilmette. The event is sponsored by the Marie Murphy Student Council. RSVP by emailing grandys@avoca37.org or calling (847) 251-3617. For more information, visit the digital event flyer.

Winnetka: The community is invited to gather from 5-6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, at the Winnetka Community House for Winnetka’s annual Veterans Day Observance, coordinated by New Trier VFW Post No. 4831. Pastor Steve Mason, of Winnetka Bible Church, will deliver the invocation; Captain Carrie Hoza, commander of the local VFW, will emcee; and Scout Jack Rosenthal, of Troop 20, will speak about his Eagle Scout project, a website with bios on all the names on Winnetka’s cenotaph, or veterans memorial.

A rifle salute is scheduled for approximately 6 p.m. as part of the observance.

Highland Park: The City of Highland Park will host its annual Veterans Day Observance at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, at the Highland Park Public Library, 494 Laurel Ave.

The city will recognize the sacrifices made by veterans in service of the country with local veterans groups and the community, according to information on the event.

Mayor Nancy Rotering and special guests will share Veterans Day messages, and the Highland Park High School brass quintet and singers will perform.

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