The City of Highland Park held its annual Memorial Day Observance in the auditorium of Highland Park High School. With the words “Dream…Believe…Achieve…” displayed prominently, the ceremony began at 11 a.m. on May 25. It was followed by a barbecue lunch in the school’s sunny courtyard.
The Jewish War Veterans Post 29 managed the bell ceremony, with the final bell ringing marking a poignant moment. Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering shared that the event was a wonderful opportunity to gather and celebrate both the community and the country. The event honored fallen veterans with a bell ceremony, speeches, musical performances by the Highland Park High School Band, and the playing of “Taps.”
Guest speakers included Sonja Marie Martin, a retired U.S. Army staff sergeant, and U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Ryan M. Dunbar. Martin, a resident of Highland Park since 2011, expressed her gratitude for being an honoree speaker. She emphasized the community’s resilience, recalling the tragic event on July 4, 2022.
Linda Iovino, representing the American Legion Auxiliary, spoke about her father, Neil P. Iovino, a U.S. Marine Corps gunnery sergeant and former prisoner of war. She expressed deep appreciation for veterans and urged others to remember that freedom is not free.
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