Memorial Day Observance, Niles IL, May 26, 2014

Panoramic photo shows the line-up of civic officials facing the audience as everyone listens to Mayor Andrew Przybylo's remarks  honoring  the fallen at the Niles Veterans Memorial Waterfall.

Commander James Kozak looks on from the left and the taller Friends of the Niles Library President and Village trustee Chris Hanusiak stands 3rd to the right from the Mayor. In addition to the other members of the Niles VFW Post 7712 present, the dignitaries visible include Village Trustees Rosemary Palicki, John  Jekot,  Dannette O'Donovan Matyas, (also a Library Board Trustee), Joe LaVerde, George Alpogianis,  Niles Village Manager Steve Vinezeano, and Deputy Police Chief Vincenzo Genualdi.

The Niles VFW Post 7712 Members, Ted Szewc and Tom Davidson, stand before the flagpole and plaque at the Niles Veterans Memorial Waterfall after the well-attended Annual Memorial Day Observance.

Marker just west of Niles Veterans Memorial Waterfall identifying  former location of St. Hedwig's orphanage and its successor buildings. The waterfall is located at the southwest corner of the Milwaukee and Touhy intersection in Niles, Illinois.

Annual Niles VFW Post 7712 Memorial Day 2013 Observance



On Monday morning, May 27,at the Niles Veterans Memorial Waterfall, shortly after 11am, newly elected Mayor Andrew Przybylo delivers  remarks after his introduction by Post Commander James Kozak, standing to his right. Commander Kozak presided at the ceremonies and later introduced Niles Fire Chief  Steven Borkowsi.  Mayor Przybylo announced his intention to henceforth honor returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans with a "key to the city" presentation. Interestingly, in 1969 then Mayor Blase awarded the key to Niles to returning US Pueblo veteran Richard Rogala whose transcript can be read via the Niles library's VHP page. 

"Dirt Sailor" Benjamin Puesta stands with two other members of the VFW Post 7712 who fired a salute to fallen comerades after the playing of "Taps."





VFW Post 7712 Observes Memorial Day, May 28, 2012

The color guard marches as the annual ceremony begins at 11 a.m. at the newly landscaped Niles Veterans Memorial Waterfall, located at Touhy and Milwaukee Avenues.



 Post Commander James Kozak asks for a moment of silence as trumpeter Jean Laurenz plays "Taps." The Niles Police Shift Commander Joe Penze, Fire Chief Steve Borkowski, Commander Kozak, Mayor Robert Callero, Chris Hanusiak, Niles Trustee and President of the Friends of the Niles Public Library, the Post chaplain, and Trustees Rosemary Palicki and Louella Preston stand left to right.

Niles veterans Ray Bendig and Gene Kuffle discuss the moving and well-attended Memorial Day observance sitting next to Abraham Lincoln on his local landmark bench. Gene has his arm around our 16th President.

Niles Trustee Louella Preston Speaks at 2010 Niles Memorial Day Observance

Ms. Preston's touching remarks included an excerpt from a poem linking Flanders Fields and Arlington Cemetery. Fire Chief Mueller and VFW Commander Kozak can be seen to her right

Niles May 31, 2010 Memorial Day Observance

Fire Chief Barry Mueller delivers his remarks while Police Chief Dean Strzelecki holds the umbrella. Village Trustee Louella Preston can be seen with her colored umbrella. Between the umbrellas from left to right can be seen VFW members Commander James Kozak, Gene Corr and Bette Horstmann.