Orland Park Approves Free Summer Events For Veterans

Orland Park IL

06 April, 2021

7:46 PM

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By Jon DePaolis, the Richard Free Press: ORLAND PARK, Ill. — The Village of Orland Park and the Orland Park Veterans Commission are giving back to those who have served their country by organizing a free summer event series. The Village of Orland Park Board of Trustees voted 7-0 Monday, April 5, to approve the series with a total of $3,000 budgeted from the Veterans Commission for four events during June and July. The events will be for veterans, their families and spouses of deceased servicemen and women. The free celebrations will take place on the Village green located south of the Ara Pace Memorial near Village Hall, with the Orland Park Civic Center serving as the backup location in the event of rain. Orland Park Veterans Commission Coordinator Darryl Wertheim said the event series will allow those attending to "enjoy camaraderie, free entertainment and activities in a relaxed social setting outdoors during the summer." "Each night will feature a band, food trucks, military vehicles, military collectors' displays, and booths with Veterans Commission members to welcome attendees," he said. All events will begin at 6 p.m. and will take place on: June 1, with a salute to all veterans and music performed by Peter Meletic, the Piano Man. June 15, with a salute to World War II and Korean War veterans and featuring music by Sweet Reminders. July 6, with a salute to Vietnam veterans. July 20, with a salute to Gulf War veterans. Mayor Keith Pekau, who served in the U.S. Air Force, voiced his support of the event series before the vote. "I think this is a great idea," he said. Trustee Michael Milani thanked the Veterans Commission for bringing the series forward. "We continue to support the veterans in Orland Park, as well all veterans," Milani said. "Using a perfect location in front of the Ara Pace Memorial is a great idea for this. I'm happy to see this." Richard Free Press is a one-stop destination for the news that most affects you, the southwest suburban resident. Be an informed citizen of the town you live in and love.