Memorial Day Tribute: Illinois Patch Readers Honor Their Heroes

ACROSS ILLINOIS — Memorial Day 2020 is different in many ways due to the new coronavirus shutdown, and although we cannot honor our nation's fallen heroes and veterans in the ways we would like, they still deserve recognition for their sacrifices. Patch asked Illinois readers to send photos of their own heroes this Memorial Day and the response was simply amazing. Here's a roundup of photos and messages from Illinois readers honoring their loved ones.

Stanley Schoenberg

Stanley Schoenberg, of Albany, New York, served in the U.S. Navy. His daughter, Karen Reingold, writes, "My father fought in WW2. He enlisted when he was just 17 because he wanted to fight for our country. The Navy was always a topic of conversation in our home and my father was a great patriot. When they played the national anthem at the beginning of a baseball game we were watching on TV, we always had to stand, put our hand on our heart and sing along. He passed away on January 3rd 2019, and he is so dearly missed by all his family and friends."

Ron Langhamer

John Martinez

John Martinez, of Chicago, served in the U.S. Marine Corps. His family writes, "He loves his family and country."

Charles Reilly

Charles Reilly, of Homer Glen, served in the U.S. Navy. His family wrote, "He is our hero!" -Reilly family and Cerle family

Bernard Mikus

Bernard Mikus of Crystal Lake served as an Army medic. His daughter, Christy, says, "We thank you, for YOU!"

John “Jay” Reilly

A veteran of the United States Air Force who served in the Korean War, John "Jay" Reilly, of Evergreen Park, died of coronavirus on May 16 while he was in the Manteo Veterans' home.

Nicholas Simunic

Nicoholas Simunic, of Chicago's East Side, served in the U.S. Navy.

"My Father was a great person and I loved him very much."

Stanley Gubala

Stanley Gubala, of Chicago, served in the U.S. Navy. His grandaughter, Carol, writes, "A special shout out to my 94-year-old grandpa who was a Gunners Mate/Seaman – Second Class in the US Navy. He was stationed in Guam from June 1944 until May 1946. Thank you for your service!"

Anthony Olik

Anthony Olik, of Chicago, served in the U.S. Army Airborne. His family writes, "Thank you veterans, alive or deceased."

Emanuel Kim

Emanuel Kim, of Bolingbrook, served in the U.S. Army. His wife, Mary Kim, writes "Been almost 32 years but love and miss you so much still!!"

Jim Whitmer

Jim Whitmer, of Wheaton, served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. His wife, Mary, writes, "Your family is so proud of you, Jim. Thanks for serving in Vietnam during the war. You are our hero."

Steven Yuill

Steven Yuill, of Batavia and Geneva, served in the Army, Navy and Marine Corps. His family writes, "Thank you for your service."

Samuel J. Harry

Samuel J. Harry, of Fullerton, California, served in the U.S. Navy on the U.S.S. Franklin Aircraft carrier. His daughter, Christine, writes, "Dad, your sense of honor and commitment to our country and the freedoms we still hold today will forever continue to live on in your family's hearts and memories. Thank you."

Ricci Trinidad, Sr.

Ricci Trinidad, Sr., of Lockport, served in the U.S. Army from 1969 to 1971. His family writes, "Thank you for everything you did for our country"

Michael B. Cravatta

Michael B. Cravatta, of Westmont, served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. His family writes, "Thank you dad/grandpa for your service to our country and allowing us to have the freedoms we have today in this great country. You are not only a hero to us, but to our whole nation. God Bless you now and always. We pray that we will be able to celebrate life's moments in person with you again very soon! Love, Karen, Ted, Liam, Owen and Evan"

Joseph Varanauski

Joseph Varanauski, of Tinley Park, served in the U.S. Army. He writes, "Joseph is a Veteran who was proud and humbled to serve as a Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in 1956."

Donald Stoneberg

Donald Stonebery, of Skokie, served in the U.S. Air Force. His daughter, Pam, writes, "Dad Thank you for 25 years of service keeping us all safe! We Love you and miss you everyday!!"

Robert Phillips

Robert Phillips, of St. Charles, is a 30-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force. His family writes, "Today I want to Honor The Rev TSGT Robert Phillisp for his 30-year faithful service to our nation. 13 Years serving AF1 and was with the President on 9-11. My hero."

Alexander Krause, Jr.

Alexander Krause, Jr., of Glen Ellyn, served in the U.S. Air Force. His daughter, Kim, writes, "Dad- you are an example to our family of what a real hero is. We love you and are beyond proud of you every day. Love- Kimberly, Jennifer & Chris."

Rob Wallace

Rob Wallace, of Oswego, served in the United States Marine Corps. His family writes, "Thank you for your service to our country and everything you lived through. Thank you for being so strong and selfless, for this country and your family! Thank you to all the Veterans!"

Marietta Jones

Marietta Jones, of Joliet, served in the U.S. Army. Her family writes, "Thanking my mom for serving and protecting our country."

Peter Edward Pfeiffer

Peter Edward Pfeiffer, of Tawas City, Michigan, served in the U.S. Army. His daughter, Linda, writes, "Dad you were gone way to soon, losing you at 10 never gave us a chance to really know you. I thank you for your service, your bravery and service to our Country! God Bless and much love!"

Gene W. Gear

Gene W. Gear, of Manhattan, served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. His family writes, "Dad was very proud to serve his country. He was a one man aerological unit on the US Unimack during World War 2. We are very proud of him."

James Christensen

James Christensen, of Palos Park, served in the United States Army. His family writes, "Love you forever for dedicated service in the 29th Infantry Division landing on Omaha Beach on DDay -also received a Purple Heart."

Doug Welch

Doug Welch, of Orland Hills, served in the U.S. Marines. His family writes, "I am so proud you were a Marine and still are. 'Once a Marine always a Marine.' Your kids are proud of you, too (Anthony & Nicole) Love, your wife, Flo (& kids)"

Henry J. Martinez

Henry J. Martinez, of Tao, New Mexico, served in the U.S. Army. His wife, Barbara, of Plainfield, writes, "Henry, I miss you every minute of every day. I am so proud of your service as a cook in the Army during the Korean war."

John E. Flaskamp

John E. Flaskamp, of Indianapolis, served in the United States Marine Corps. His cousin writes, "Until we regroup RIP"

Joe Stack

Joe Stack, of New Lenox, served in the U.S. Marine Corps. His friend, a fellow veteran, writes, "Thank you for your dedicated service, Joe. Iwo Jima was a tough assignment."

Rick Kragie

Rick Kragie, of New Lenox, served in the United States Army. His friend, a fellow veteran, writes, "Rest in peace, my brother."

Anthony and Edith Bartolotta

Anthony Bartolotta, of Tinley Park, served in the U.S. Marine Corps. His wife, Edith Bartolotta, served in the U.S. Navy. Their family writes, "Thank you both for your lifetime of service and parenthood."

Richard Jennison

Richard Jennison, of Oak Lawn, served in the United States Marine Corps in World War II. His friend, Barb Koss, writes, "He was a Marine until the day he died. A true Patriot!"

Andrew Petrick, Sr.

Andrew Petrick, Sr., of Newark, New Jersey, served in the U.S. Navy. His family writes, "Even though you are now serving in God's army of angels, the lessons you taught me and freedom you fought for are still treasures I hold dear. Until we meet again."

Joseph Strahulak

Joseph Strahulak, of Chicago, served in the U.S. Army. His family writes, "My Dad, My Hero. Passed away way to soon."

Emil Rekich

Emil Rekich, of Glendale Heights, served in the United States Army. His family writes, "Thank you Dad and others for the service!"

Matthew Webber

Matthew Webber, of Stanwood, Michigan, served in the U.S. National Guard. His family writes,
"It's been 13 years since you and 4 others in your Humvee made the ultimate sacrifice while serving during Iraqi Freedom. You will never be forgotten!"

George T. Waring

George T. Waring, of Chicago, served in the U.S. Marine Corps. His daughter, Larissa, writes, "Thank you to the greatest, kindest, most loving, harworking man I've ever known! You have made a difference in so many lives and everyone you meet immediately adores and respects you! You put everyone else's needs in front of your own and will, to this day, give the shirt off your back to help anyone in need! I love you so much and pray my boys end up just like you!"

James McNerney, Sr.

James McNerney, Sr., of Oak Lawn, served in the United States Marine Corps. His family writes, "My hero is my husband Jim. He served in the Marines in Vietnam. He was a point man and received two Purple Hearts from March 66 to to March of 67. He came out as Corp James E McNerney. And our children Jim Jr., Beth, Kris and Megan and I are very proud of him. Love you, Jim"

Harold Bogigian

Harold Bogigian, of Hinsdale, served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. His daughter, Cathy, writes, "Special Memorial Day Wishes to a member of the Greatest Generation and our family hero."

John Talton

John Talton, of Lansing, served in the United States Army during Vietnam. His family writes, "My Dad served his country with his time spent in Vietnam. I love him because he was brave to sign up to go to war, not knowing if he would make it back alive. I take my hat off to salute not only my Dad but to all soldiers and to all of the family members who's loved ones didn't return home. My Daddy is a great man and for that I am forever grateful!"

Private Robert Lee Lurz, Sr.

Private Robert Lee Lurz, Sr., of Aurora, served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. His family writes, "Thank You Dad for All the Brave Sacrifices You Made For Our Country. You are a Real Hero. We Love You & Miss You So Much. The Lurz Family"

David Johnson

David Johnson, of Madison, Wisconsin, served in the U.S. Army. His friend, Mary, writes, "Thank You for your service, stay safe and God Bless you and your family."

Valentine Fleszewski

Valentine Fleszewski, of Palos Hills, served in the U.S. Army. His family writes, "From the greatest generation came the greatest man, my father."

Sam Valenti

Sam Valenti, of Chicago, served in the United States Navy. His family writes, "My dad made it through World War 11 and ended up dying at 89 with my mom in a fire in their house."

Clarence Heisner

Clarence Heisner, of Frankfort, received a loving message from a friend, who writes, "You are loved and missed everyday."

Eugene R. Kolling

Eugene R. Kolling, of Darien, served in the U.S. Marines. His daughter, Kathy, writes, "Thank you for all you did for our country, our community, and for our family. I miss you every single day."

Robert R. Kolling

Robert R. Kolling, of Darien, served in the U.S. Army. His sister, Kathy, writes, "Thank you for all you sacrificed for our country."

Richard Hintz

Richard Hintz, of Elmhurst, served in the U.S. Army during World War I. His great-niece, Cher, writes, "I never knew you but always heard great things about you from your sister my grandmother. She loved you so much she named her first born my father after you. Your picture now hangs at the Elmhurst American Legion Post T.H.B.187"

Richard Komar, Sr.

Richard Komar, Sr., of Worth, served in the United States Army. His daughter, Fran, writes, "In honor of our deceased father and all those who have served. Thank you for your service and God bless!"

Marvin Vis

Marvin Vis, of Orland Park, served in the United States Army during World War II. His daughter, LuAnn, writes, "Dad, thank you for your service to our country. You have set an amazing example of love and service to your loved ones and your country in your 95+ years. Love you!"

Howard P. Jebens

Howard P. Jebens, of Midlothian, served in the United States Air Force.

Edwin Mendez

Edwin Mendez, of Midlothian, served in the U.S. Navy.

Wilfredo Mendez

Wilfredo Mendez, of Midlothian, served in the United States Army. His sister, Ada Jebens, is also the wife of Howard Jebens and the brother of Edwin Mendez. She writes, "What a blessing and honor to call these three men family; so proud of them!"

MSGT A. Peter Whitney

MSGT A. Peter Whitney, of Houston, Texas, served in the United States Air Force. His family writes, "We miss you, Dad! Thank you for your service to the country."

LTC George P. Shirilla

George P. Shirilla, of Warrensville Heights, Ohio, served in the U.S. Army. His best friend, Jim Strnad, writes, "My best friend of 59 years. Fair Winds and Following Seas, George"

George Kretsinger

George Kretsinger served in the Union Army during the Civil War. His dedication was sent by fellow veteran Michael Mlekowski, who writes, "Mr. Kretsinger was a Medal of Honor (MOH) recipient and Artilleryman during the Civil War. I found Mr. Kretsinger's grave in Chicago while looking up MOH recipients. As an Artilleryman of Operation Iraqi Freedom I felt a bond with him and visited his grave last year for the first time. I will be back with some fellow Artillerymen Monday. I feel he may have been forgotten to history if I had not found him and wanted more people to know about his courage and bravery."

Constance Craddle Youker

Constance Craddle Youker, of Wheaton, served in the Women's Army Air Corp during World War II. Her daughter, Dr. Coral Youker, writes, "Mom & Dad, I am so proud to be the daughter of two veterans who gave their all in the Second World War. Rest in peace and know you are celebrated and remembered! I love you!"

James Allen Youker

James Allen Youker, of Wheaton, served in the U.S. Army 89th Rolling W Infantry Division and was at the liberation of the Ohrdruf prison camp during World War II. His daughter, Dr. Coral Youker, writes, "Mom & Dad, I am so proud to be the daughter of two veterans who gave their all in the Second World War. Rest in peace and know you are celebrated and remembered! I love you!"

Arthur Sitzburger

Arthur Sitzburger, of Mokena, served in the U.S. Army and died in 2013. His neighbor writes, "We all miss you. Thank you for your service."

George Zecevich

George Zecevich, of Gary, Indiana, served in the U.S. Army during World War II. His granddaughter, Lisa, writes, "I never knew my grandpa, but the stories I hear about him never fail to make me burst with pride. I love you, Grandpa."

Sgt. Adia Taylor

Martin Moberg

Martin Moberg served as a doughboy in the U.S. Army during World War I.

All photos included in this post are owned by identified third parties who have given Patch the right to use explicitly for the Memorial Day article.

This article originally appeared on the Downers Grove Patch