Veterans Day at the Ray Olley Memorial: Honoring Service and Highlighting Sacrifice

On Saturday, November 9, 2024, A.N. Webber Headquarters in Kankakee hosted a powerful Veterans Day event at the Ray Olley Memorial as part of the ROMP 2024 Women of War program. This event, held near the iconic Ray Olley statue, brought together community members, veterans, and supporters to honor those who have served while also raising awareness about the struggles many veterans face, including PTSD. The day was supported by dedicated sponsors, including Head Hancho Portable Restrooms, Chick-Fil-A, Reeds Rent-All, and A.N. Webber, making it a fitting tribute to veterans’ service and sacrifice.

The ceremony began inside a large tent, where Denny Case from WVIL The Valley FM 92.7 emceed. The Scabbard Guard and the Kankakee High School Junior ROTC Color Guard provided a dignified entrance, setting the stage for a day of reflection and gratitude. The National Anthem, performed by Soothe’s Amy Ciaccio Jarvis and Carolyn Gall, filled the tent with a sense of unity. Veteran John McAdoo led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Fr. Thomas Theneth, pastor of the late Ray Olley, gave an invocation that acknowledged the sacrifices of veterans and the significance of remembrance.

The program featured speeches by three remarkable women, each highlighting different aspects of military service and sacrifice. Trina Parks, a guest speaker honored by President Obama with a Lifetime Achievement Award, shared her family’s deep ties to the military, displaying her father’s WWII uniform as a tribute to his service. Parks, whose cousin was killed in Vietnam, spoke about her ongoing work to establish a mental health center in Atlanta for veterans, with a focus on providing immediate support for those struggling with PTSD. She emphasized the sobering statistic that 22 veterans commit suicide daily and reminded the audience that veterans deserve more robust mental health support.

Another highlight was Annika Bennion, who has become one of the faces of the Ray Olley project as “Annika the Riveter,” paying homage to WWII’s iconic Rosie the Riveter. Bennion, a Miss Montana Teen and the granddaughter of a Vietnam vet, discussed the unique role of women in the U.S. military and shared the story of her relative, Captain Mervyn Bennion, a Medal of Honor recipient who died at Pearl Harbor. She referenced Dr. Mary Walker, the only woman awarded the Medal of Honor, underscoring the enduring impact of individual contributions to the nation’s freedom and security.

The final speaker, Major Ivy Stampley, is both a retired U.S. Army officer and an educator leading the Junior ROTC program at Kankakee High School. Stampley’s story of resilience and commitment to education reflected the values she now instills in her students. Her journey through the ranks, supported by the Army’s educational programs, exemplifies how military service can empower individuals to achieve their goals and give back to their communities.

The ceremony then moved outdoors to the Ray Olley Memorial, where Jojo Sayson led the crowd through a series of moving tributes. A wreath presentation featured WWII Filipino Scout re-enactor Chris Leyba and WWI Doughboy re-enactor Cody McCullough, accompanied by bagpiper Sgt. Fernando Urquidi of the USMC. Bourbonnais Trustee Bruce Greenlee tolled a bell 22 times to honor veterans lost daily to suicide, a reminder of the ongoing mental health crisis among service members.

A 21-gun salute by St. George American Legion Post 105 and the playing of “Taps” by bugler Nick Venuso honored those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Fr. Thomas Theneth blessed newly installed inscribed bricks around the statue of Ray Olley and his dog Elinore, and Matt Yaeger’s rendition of “God Bless the USA” brought a poignant close to the ceremony. A final salute, the “30-Second American Revolution,” was performed by motorcyclists revving their engines—a fitting conclusion to the day’s tribute to freedom.

This year’s Veterans Day event at the Ray Olley Memorial served as both a celebration of service and a reminder of the challenges veterans face. The stories shared by Parks, Bennion, and Stampley highlight the importance of recognizing women’s contributions to the military, as well as the need for continued support for all veterans. For those wishing to honor a veteran, commemorative bricks at the Ray Olley Memorial are still available for purchase at rayolleymemorial.com, offering a lasting tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who have served.  You can read more about the event at from the Daily Journal Article.  

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