As American Legion members, Scouts and citizens stood in front of the Morton Grove Library in blistering weather for a Memorial Day 2012 ceremony, Commander Mathew Ingram of American Legion Post 134 reminded them that lives of U.S. service people continue to be lost every day.
Far from being a day of picnics, he said, it's a day of pain for families who have lost loved ones.
"Most of those killed are under age 25. In the eyes of their families, they remain always young," he told the crowd. 
"We honor these brave warriors who have given everything for their country."
Morton Grove Police Chief Mark Erickson reminded the crowd that many lives have been shattered, and many families are in mourning, as members of the military sacrificed to keep our nation free.
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Morton Grove Trustee John Thill read a moving column by Pioneer Press columnist Paul Sassone, about the uncle he never knew because he never came back from World War II.
The ceremony was preceded by a short parade, with fire trucks, American Legion members, politicians and Scouts, from the Civic Center to the library (see video).
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